I’ve become so resentful about how current society EXPECTS us to have smart phone AND be readily available on them 24/7. It feels like life has become a never ending cycle of answering WhatsApp messages, group chats, social media messages, etc. Everyone constantly feels entitled to your energy & time😔
There's also this and the double standard of it not being considered a utility by a lot of welfare systems. How am I supposed to fit into this world with these standards if I cant even pretend to meet them?
It's hard but you should try to set boundaries with others. We should normalize telling people our preferred method of communication and feel free to delete the multiple communication apps you might have and keep only one.
Yes! This describes perfectly how it feels. I have friends that literally freak out if they forget their phone at home or it goes dead. I always ask them "What did you do when we didn't have cell phones?" (I'm in my 40s and so are my friends) They just look at me like they don't remember. Tech is wonderful in its place but its such a life waster when its overused.
THIS. Yes. I am so..not even just tired, I am *exhausted* of this cycle & feeling BAD anytime I don’t reply to a message or a text right away. What the heck is that about? Or feeling upset when I check in with my friends & get one word replies if that. Orrr feeling upset because my friends don’t actually check in or message outside of social media, as if a “like” on something I’ve posted or watching my story is sufficient enough. It’s wild. It’s either something to wonder about or a realisation that actually, I don’t really have friends. A daunting feeling either way. Social media has its place for some things but it’s not worth it in the bigger picture. I thought I was the only one who felt this way.
I hate it, because even some jobs require you to have a smartphone, like for clocking in, new scheduling, etc. Our society has literally made it less possible for many people to go smartphone free.
I feel like phone addiction is even heightened by that FOMO (fear of missing out) and desire to keep up with everyone else. It's like desire for connection, but a false/twisted yearning
thats me. I've deleted Instagram and it's been amazing and I really want to delete Facebook and Snapchat too but Facebook keeps me up to date with people and Snapchat allows me to chat to people through videos without ringing them which I like because I have phone anxiety
@@luciacaterina4130 i guess you have to consider and get to the root of, why is it that you want to keep up to date with others so much? as long as its because you enjoy it and not out of fear, i feel its okay to not make yourself wrong for using them
@@luciacaterina4130 i can relate. i'm planning on deleting tiktok because of how toxic it is, i waste SO much time on it so it will be hard. i'm not a huge instagram user but will still get rid of it. snapchat on the other hand is probably my main way of communicating with friends. but i feel like ill end up spending all my time on that instead..
I check my phone a lot because I’m always afraid that I’ll get an important call or message and miss it. I get anxious when I’m physically away from it and when I check it in fear of seeing missed messages. It’s crazyy
Dude that’s something I noticed too! I used to always feel like there was never enough time in the day to meditate or read or repot my plants and then when I quit social media i was like holy shit... I have multiple hours more than I thought I did lol
THIS !! I always feel like I don't have time to read or do my hobbies or meditate or journal- but girlllll yes tf you do, you just spend it scrolling. cut it out
Smart phones, social media etc can cause severe dopamine addiction, which is definitely a Huge issue in todays society, and I feel the reason why so many young adults, teens and kids struggle with anxiety, focus and even depression. Much love to you harmony 😊🙏💜
I completely agree and this is veery important, its wonderful we have access to these things, but is it necessary all the time and should it be normal to feel uncomfortable if we dont have access to it for even an hour? and why are we not setting boundaries with it! x
@@harmonynicee Exactly 💯 The fact that people struggle to go without looking at their phone and constantly looking at them without even getting any notifications, is a big red flag. They can be good tools, but its the industries behind all these social media platforms etc, that are the problem, they purposely design addictive platforms to keep people on their phones for as long as possible, its very unethical and causes mental illness, but they dont care because it fills their pockets 💰
omg thank you for explaining. my heart starts beating really fast when i open my smart phone and i used to think it was cause im excited , but i struggle with social anxiety and whatever is on my phone always ends up putting me in a bad mood.
For sure, it’s been so hard for my younger daughter.’, because I would take it away; for disciplinary reasons. It’s like taking heroine away from a junky! It’s so harmful for kids. She is 13. Didn’t get one til this past Christmas.
Imagine the amount of masterpieces that will never be created. Before the internet, whenever someone was feeling bored, some people would just create art. But now, we've become so consumed by various methods of entertainment, that some people will probably end up never discovering their talent and use it creatively. I think about this often.
Not really. Internet helps a lot because you can make your documentation. See what others artist create. I think, the best is to open your PC for social media and the phone just for calls and taking photos. The PC isn t so addictive for me.
I agree so many kids getting addicted is scary as well, they grow up being addicted to social media and having constant entertainment. I spend the time not on my phone writing in my journal, doing art, poetry and meditation. Ideas always come to me more when I'm not on my smartphone. I try and give myself one hour a day on my phone to check emails and then I put it away or if I need it for music when I'm walking I'll download the music and I'll turn the WiFi off.
Since Summer of 2020, I deleted Instagram and logged out of twitter and Facebook on all my devices and it's honestly been such a crazy experience. It's like I'm existing in the real world again; putting my all into school work, starting a plant jungle in my new home, reading, art etc. But all the while, I know there is this whole online environment that I'm no longer hip to. It was an adjustment at first because I didn't feel like I could relate to people or whatever news headline blurb they were regurgitating, and I just started to realize I'm breaking the cycle of addiction and putting my time into things I truly don't care about and can live happily without. It's hard to set boundaries with yourself when it not the norm for your peers.
@@Verbsdescribeus Everyone uses social media differently. Your experience of not getting sucked in is uncommon from what I've noticed. Many people in this generation, those that grew up online, have used it as not only for escapism purposes, but also as a place where they can create alternate personalities or exist under anonymity. It IS an entirely separate world from the tangible reality on the other side of the screen, and it's scary.
@@Verbsdescribeus it is a world though. No one thinks its life but it is very easy to get immersed in it, same way you can get immersed in a book or a hobby
That’s how I describe it! I gave up all social media expect TH-cam and Pinterest and I always say it’s like living in the “real world” again. You realize everyone online are really just strangers who don’t matter and that you don’t need validation or to update people or to be so connected. It really feels like being unplugged from a virtual world. Before when I had social media I cared so much about posting the best picture and knowing what everyone was doing and staying friends with everyone I went to school with when none of that mattered. Now I text the people who matter and watch TH-cam sometimes and use Pinterest for art inspiration and other inspiration. Now I’m more confident and happy and don’t even wear makeup. I realized I personally was wearing it to fit in and out of insecurity made by social media. I also grew into my true style and personality. It feels very freeing and just nice
I am so..not even just tired, I am *exhausted* of social media & this digital age we are living in. For all it’s benefits & abilities to connect people, I feel more disconnected than connected. Like I didn’t know it was POSSIBLE to be as disconnected as I feel. It’s actually hard to focus on anything else when I’m not on my phone because my brain is so tuned into the scroll & this other world. It really does take you somewhere else & when someone else is on their phone they aren’t really there either, are they? I am exhausted of feeling BAD anytime I don’t reply to a message or a text right away too. What the heck is that about? Or feeling upset when I try to check in with my friends & get one word replies if that. Orrr feeling upset because my friends honestly don’t ever check in with me or message outside of social media, as if a “like” on something I’ve posted or watching my story is sufficient enough. It’s wild. It’s either something to wonder about or a realisation that actually, I don’t really have friends. A daunting feeling either way. Social media has its place for some things but it’s not worth it in the bigger picture. I thought I was the only one who felt this way. Hours wasted on scrolling & the mutual expectation we’ve developed that people should & need to be available at ANY given moment - that’s pretty wild. So, a wholehearted thankyou to you for not only having the courage to explore this..not having a smartphone & stepping back from it all to gain a new perspective but to also then SHARE it all with us. I think lots of people are quietly aching for this & for more connection to themselves & to others but they don’t know how, for some this is all they’ve ever known. And to step back from something so familiar & SO addicting is really difficult, especially if you are living in the delusion of it all still. Having awareness & mindfulness is incredibly important & I just am so grateful that you shared your experiences, it’s incredibly inspiring & I can’t wait to see what continues to unfold. Sending so so so much love.
@@lunaleavesme Hello lovely, thankyou for your thoughtful & so wonderfully written reply! This is exactly how I feel. Thankyou for sharing your experiences with me, I can really empathise & relate. I’m so happy to hear that you have solid relationships around you that are those true ones.
Thank you for writing this so beautifully. I had a similar frustration to you in regards to how disconnected you feel despite living in the age of “digital connection.” I recently got a Nokia banana phone after a friend told me how positive of an experience it was for her. It’s a feature phone that has basic internet and google maps. The internet isn’t quick and neither is GPS, but they’re functional which meets my needs. I now find that without a smartphone I will genuinely feel bored, which is wonderful motivation to give people a call that I haven’t spoke to folks, or reading a book, or doing ANYTHING that isn’t just mindless scrolling. Anyhow, thank you for writing this so perfectly. I screenshot it and sent it to a friend. Best to you ❤️
@@unkn0wn_416 Sad or an opportunity to work on it? It’s never too late to change patterns & take risks! And despite being uncomfortable, what is there to lose? The good news is feelings are temporary so the discomfort won’t last & what you’ll have gained will be empowering. In my experiences, even working through trauma, that is usually what happens abyways. I’m from the MSN era too :)
I deleted all social media (but like facebook/discord to talk to friends) and it felt so freeing! I re downloaded Tiktok recently but set a time limit for it. The timelimit definitely helps! I still feel connected to my generational humor and am making sure I'm not addicted. Its great!
I'm happy you could give it up but for me I'm too far gone. I usually spend around 70+ hours a week on youtube. Once I factor in audio books, podcast and social media on top of that. Basically all my waking time is online. I need a video playing to fall asleep now and I've even started watching content in the shower im so addicted. I tried seeing a psychologist but I couldn't afford to keep seeing him. So I've basically just accepted that this is my life now.
I love writing good old fashioned letters sometimes, it just feels so special to give and receive handwritten letters. I always find pretty stationary at Thrift shops.
Same here. Thrift shops are the best place to find stationery for me. I love the thin paper that vintage stationery has. Any new stationery I’ve boughten is so thick.
I cut out Instagram and facebook and as soon as I did I felt SO GOOD. My life changed DRAMATICALLY since that point in time. I love myself and feel like NO ONE can compare to me - for the first time in a while 🥺
when you said you were always living through aesthetics, i full relate to that right now!! i definitely need to work on figuring out my true self instead of focusing on what my ‘aesthetic’ is and making that define me!
i haven’t had a smart phone for 5 years now. I gave it up as part of coming to terms and addressing a porn addiction. i will never have a smart phone again.
@Mariana Farías i battled that addiction and the phone addiction for a very long time, years but I must say i’m doing totally cool on all fronts! never felt more mentally ‘together’ because of it.
@@GoogleUser-xt3bn i just got rid of the phone, well i smashed a screen and just bought a cheap £15 quid phone and never looked back. for the first few weeks i’d constantly pull my new phone out and i’d just realise all i could do is check the time. Eventually i deprogrammed that and would just enjoy looking around at the world.
I feel a constant pressure to reply to peoples messages every day. I don't, I may take 3/4 days. And then I always have to apologise and I feel as if I am distancing myself more and more. I don't have the mental capacity to be constantly in conversation with people. I think getting rid of a smart phone would fix these problems!
If you find a solution let me know, cuz I don’t want to have so many messaging apps,I’ve reduced them to only two which i need for college but i still get the feeling that I should be available 24/7
I literally just put all of my social media apps into a folder on my Home Screen and moved it to a different page to make it “harder to get to” and out of my immediate field of view :)
I haven't had social media for 5 years and I only use TH-cam and pintrest that's literally it lol I didn't change my phone or anything but I'm used to it now. Honestly it was one of the best choices I've made.
Omggg I was just about to say this! I have accounts on some others but I literally only use Pinterest and TH-cam daily 😂 I do use Snapchat, but just with my one bff, my mom, my Aunt, and my husband 😂
I relate to this so much. It's embarrassing to say but I've found myself living these significant moments in life thinking about the social media post I will make about it, rather than living in the moment, and it really is like a drug. I grew up in that weird period when Facebook was just taking off and MySpace was big etc, and it used to be just a fun hobby or a way of keeping in contact with friends, but now it's all consuming and I really do feel like a much less present, less introspective, less connected, more superficial person as a result
Same here. I also feel like it's easier to connect with people online, whereas I most likely wouldn't have this conversation with you in real life. I find it really hard to talk to people in real life, even people I'm close to and know well.
It's kinda weird to think about how the younger/new generations don't know a world without internet or smart phones. I can totally see why many would not know how to be with themselves or do activities outside of phones etc(and not use them for pics and whatnot).
It’s so concerning to me that young people are starting their online lives so early. They’re completely skipping the step of just going on the Internet to play some dress up games or use club penguin. They’re going straight to social media now and don’t have the opportunity to live a life that doesn’t take place online. It’s so sad to see children (young girls especially) comparing themselves to influencers thinking that there’s something wrong with them. I can see how the suicide rate has increased so much for teenagers over the last few years...
@@jammydoughnuts that’s the parents’ fault. They give their children a smartphone from a really reallyyy young age just to keep them preoccupied because apparently they don’t wanna deal with their children. It’s a shame to see a 4 y/o being already addicted to stupid internet games.
@@myrtila I really agree. For a while i was one of those internet kids who thought the internet was amazing and a good thing for us kids. Im 14 and today i gave up my phone. Im getting a flip phone soon :)))
as 'the younger generation' i totally agree, Me and my friends find it hard to do simple things like reading because we're so used to constant distraction, that's why I love harmony nices influence online! its great shes inspiring so many people cut there screentime
YES! My therapist told me the difference between doing something relaxing and something toxic is whether I'm trying to escape myself, or caring for myself. What that looks like can be different for everyone. It sounds like social media you were escaping yourself, but doing art plugs you into you, and grounds you, and helps you care for yourself. Thanks for being so open about this
I just gave up Instagram, cuz I just need my phone for music and videos like these. But it's so hard to see family addicted to toxic social media. There's anything you say to them, they are clearly unhappy.
I agree!!! I try to converse with some family members and sometimes they won’t even look up at me, or they’ll ask me to repeat myself because they’re that glued.
I've basically done the same thing but the tattoo artist I'm trying to go post their books opening on Instagram so I only allow myself to get on to check those things. I wish I could just get rid of social media completely but there's just small things I still need it for :/
@@ananimo1473 the biggest problem is the tattoo artist thing, it's very important to me to get to be tattooed by them so I keep up with it. But yeah I'm sure there's a lot of things social media may be “needed” for but it's really not that serious. Once I get to that artist Instagram will be deleted for sure
I don't think that I'm ready to fully give up my smartphone yet, but this video pushed me over the edge I needed in order to delete instagram and tumblr off of my phone. I've been spending SO many hours scrolling through reels and just occupying myself without doing anything good for myself. I've lost touch with myself and my purpose and I'm ready to make changes
I am 40 years old, never had Instagram or Facebook ect. and i never will, i can't imagine the pressure being young and keeping up on all the social media, Harmony you are an inspiration, keep it up x
This goes to show how toxic social media and our phones are .. We’re literally addicted to these things that we don’t even see time passing us by while we’re on it.
I'm slowly weening myself off my phone. Even just taking the time to be mindful and notice how much time I spend on my phone is so interesting and also a bit scary! x
been dealing with some very painful waves lately. i barely go on social media anymore. spotify and youtube are my exceptions. edit : this is the most amount of likes i have ever gotten!! hi 😂😂. so...I feel that maybe because all you guys liked my comment, you can relate to it and i hope you're all feeling balanced within yourselves and that your minds aren't too loud. remember that loneliness can be good but too much of it can infect your sensitive state. never give in to the media telling you what to do and how to look. you're perfect. uniqueness is needed right now. we need all different energies spread out around the universe. be kind to yourself. the skies will clear. 💌
I feel the same,once i hit my YA years i realised i had really fallen out of love with social media, i still enjoy it for inspo but lately i go on insta like once a day for a little bit and it wasnt even a conscious decision and its been the biggest breath of fresh air, the dissonance that happened when i was on it constantly was crazy and i didnt even realise it was happening. Now i mostly use YT because its not as demanding and still fulfilling as well as educational. Once i just started doing things because i wanted to instead with the express reason of posting it has honestly been so good for me. 💕
I am a mom of 4 and fully addicted to my phone. It’s my only form of distraction and I hate how much I long for the numbing. I dream of better days where I find the strength to be without and be present for all the things- good and bad.
4 kids must be so overwhelming. I got two and managed to quit social and gave up my smartphone. Maybe you could start with tiny steps, like setting a time limit?
There are other more productive hobbies you could try to explore if you want to rely on your phone less, reading and crafts are really good distractions. Crafting (crochet, macrame, knitting for me personally) are particularly good imo because you can do it on any budget, in any place, and at the end you have a tangible item to use, sell, or gift. It can be very meditative as well if you stick to basic patterns.
I was literally on the verge of buying a new smartphone, because the microphone of my current phone broke. I have an old blackberry laying around and think I will try to use this one for a while. Thank you for this!
I've noticed that the worse my mental state is the more I post or want to post on instagram. And then I regret sharing it with so many people that don't care. I've also got a creepy stalker that found out my work place through a photo that my coworker tagged me on (I didn't think anyone looks at this section at all so it wasn't private). So yeah that's how I ended up deleting it from my phone. Literally instagram gives me only negative feelings after that dopamine that you get from scrolling.
i'm now on a nokia brick and practicing non-attachment, devoting more time to things I love and I can thank you for being the final push I needed. Deep attachments can be unhealthy and I'm gad I recognised that with my attachment to my phone
After watching your first video, you inspired me to get rid of my smartphone, 4 months without a Smartphone! I just want to say Thank you!! It's honestly the best thing I have ever done, I feel more connected and present. I'm happier. I was using it as a distraction from all sorts of anxiety and suffering a lot of waves of dissociation. After watching your last video though it was as if you were talking straight to me. Thank you so much Harmony! Glad you're still plodding on with you little basic phone! Much love!
also a difference between healthy "distractions" and unhealthy distractions is that healthy distractions (or, more appropriately, habits) require skill. Reading, art, crafts, gardening, etc; these all require skill and over time you become more skillful. Social media? What skill does that provide?
Having listened to the audiobook of 'How to break up with your phone' after watching your video on it, I've also found a great deal of peace in setting those boundaries and re-examining my relationship with my phone. One thing I've found as a great way to keep in contact with people and re-connecting with important people and friends, is writing letters! Postcards, letters and sending cards in the post has felt really special and and a much more present, thoughtful way to connect
I honestly love the 35mm camera, they're so cute. Sure they're not "perfect" but that's the beauty of older photography. Also for mindfulness and meditation, I got the same phone as you and I just downloaded everything I wanted onto an sd card :)
I also quite my smartphone, I use to use it like most of the people, just scrolling and scrolling, but since I gave up, I have noticed how much things I can do now. How I can enjoy so much in communication, how much can I enjoy in reading books, go for a walk without scrolling and enjoy in the moment. I can meditate, I write on paper things I am grateful/thankful for. Life is so much interessted now I dont waste time on scrolling and I have more time and better life. I met more friends like this because I communicate more and it is really amazing. Like I got a new life. You can explore yourself more and care for yourself more and you can work better on yourself, health, and you are more happy 🤗 thanks for your motivation 🤗
It's almost 20 days that I don't use facebook. Deleted IG like 3 years ago, and it feels so good. Now I just check a dance group on fb once a week but I don't post anything in my page nor I put 'likes'. When you stop to do this, you understand how stupid it is. No more nasty opinions, I don't look at other people's profiles. No more selfies of 'perfect' people or lifes. I've started to meditate, reading a LOT, and I'm taking drawing lessons and studying with more concentration, positivity and I feel more faithful for the future. I feel more pretty, more self centered and I have more time to think about myself. Also, I've started to volonturee. I don 't want to live through a screen, that' s not what we, as a humanity, are meant for
i just deleted my facebook and instagram accounts after not being on them for four weeks!!! it feels so freeing and all the thanks go to you! thank you harmony ❤️
Hi Harmony, I think its wonderful that with your drift away from Instagram, you are connecting more deeply with TH-cam. I don't have an Instagram, or any social media really (other than TH-cam) so it knowing that you will be putting more of your energy into this platform and sharing your voice means a lot to me. Your new content, with the focus on mindfulness, healing, growth, spirituality, tarot, and magickal ways to benefit mental health is a wonderful direction for your channel to go in. Having said that, I noticed that a lot of your older videos have been removed (or set to private). I really loved your haunted house and unsolved mystery videos, and I actually linked some of the haunted house ones to a friend the other day but now she can't watch them. I'm sure you have your personal reasons for removing them from public viewing, but I think they were great videos - you clearly did a lot of research, and your energy is so vibrant and enthusiastic, its obvious that you genuinely found these topics interesting to talk about. I really hope you reconsider making some of those public again. Also, as a future video idea, I'd love to hear you speak more about some of the new hobbies you have learnt since giving up your smartphone. The journey with your Kalimba would be super interesting. I'd love to know how you discovered the instrument, how often you practice, benefits of music on your mental health, and how it makes you feel when you play. Do you only focus on learning specific song tabs (like the Zelda music I've seen you play in your videos), or do you also improvise and just let your creativity flow when you feel like it? Is this the first musical instrument you have learnt, or do you play other instruments too (other than your meditation bowl)?
I ditched my smartphone in early November 2020. I'm 15 years old and am the only person that I know who doesn't use one (even my grandparents). I relate to everything you have said in both of your videos on this topic. I have struggled with dissociation/derealization for a couple of years now and not having a smart phone has helped me find a peaceful connection within my mind, body, spirit, and surroundings- but consequently a disconnection from others. I was wondering if you have experienced times where you are the only person in the room who was not staring at a screen? I find that this happens to me several times daily. As the room falls silent and I watch everyone enter a trance, I struggle to not feel isolated. I never mention it so no one feels judged. If you or anyone else has advice it would be much appreciated
You sound so sweet and I’m glad you’ve gotten out of the mindset that everyone else seems to be trapped in. I totally feel the same way in regards to feeling isolated when others go on their phones... but I do know that I’m doing the best I can and bettering myself when I don’t go online. Not to be judgemental towards them or anything, but it works for me and that’s the most important thing. Being in the moment is so crucial and so many of us seem to have forgotten that.
Been working hard to disconnect from my phone recently. I do just want to add that social media can be used in good ways too. I was diagnosed with breast cancer last July and instagram helped me connect with so many amazing young women going through what I was going through, it became a really good support system for me. But I completely agree with what you said about boundaries. I'm trying hard to make sure I'm only using it in ways that I feel benefit and support me!
I love that idea of slow communication with personal boundaries. I hate it, when my phone interrupts me and I feel like I must react right away, and drop everything
There is soooo much to do! Reading, crafts, walks, podcasts, yoga, etc. sky is the limit. We’ve just been conditioned to believe that the most important thing we could be doing is stare at a screen for 8+ hours a day.
There's certainly a lot to do! You can learn something new, even if you use your phone to learn it, if it's an activity that's outside of just using your phone that's already doing something "without" the phone. You can learn a new recipe, draw, write a story, make a collage, learn a dance, learn to play an instrument or sing, learn a new language, read books, take walks without a phone, I believe even doing things on your phone that's outside of like using social media is already pretty cool, like go on wikipedia and learn something new, read an actual article from a news site instead of just a feed, research a topic you are interested about and take notes! I understand that there's a social aspect that is less available in the pandemic that social media helps keep contact with people but there's a lot you can do by yourself or with close friends and family.
Hun you will discover talents and skills. You felt you thought weren't capable off....order creative stuff on line...or check skill share. And go lass ! I'm 62 and discovered lots of skills through my life..Starts with a thought.....? Bake cook ? 🤔😃
@@phosphenevision yes I totally agree, there are lots of things to do. What I actually meant is I still end up using my phone at the end of the day and cannot stop using it completely. That is what I’ve been trying to do lately tho, hoping it works. Thanks tho:)
I think it’s also ok to admit that it is hard not to use your phone. And even though there are lots of things to do off your phone, it’s more about discovering what you actually like doing other than being on your phone. It’s fine saying you could do yoga but if you hate yoga then it’s not going to work ha. Good luck x
Honestly it’s so healthy to disconnect and have peace without drama or negativity just you with your self I think il keep my phone turned off for as long as I see fit because I find I’m addicted to mine and I just need to just be with myself without the baggage of others Protecting my energy and peace 💫✨
Girl!! From a 37yr old witch that grew up in the 90's in California, you are giving me all the nostalgic vibes of my youth and my boho witchy aunts, haha xo. I really feel for your whole generation that you couldn't experience life before social media in an organic way and have to do so much to try to avoid it. From your new (old school) phone, to older camera, to emails, to maps irl, to cd players...it really was a simpler time to grow up then. I have loved your videos for years and think you are so wise for your age, learning what most don't til their 30's or hell, 70's in some cases. Careful with TH-cam too, it's definitely not the same beast as Insta, but it's pretty addicting too and promotes the same FOMO, or versions of someones life that make others feel inferior. I lump them all into the same category actually, but haven't heard you speak ill at all about TH-cam, which I understand, but it's def a problem too. Spread the word though, the more your generation gets off these social platforms and look up from the glare of the computers and iphones and start living life organically again, the less stressed you'll all be. Much love. Blessed Be
My smartphone broke about 3 weeks ago and at first I was incredibly sad, because of all the things I thought I had lost and worried about losing 4 years of my life. This really made me realise how much I was relying on my my smartphone as a coping mechanism. I ended up getting another smartphone, but my relationship with it has changed drastically and I now only use it to text someone and mostly leave it at home unless I need it for a specific reason. And I feel much better!
I’ve always had pride in being able to regulate my phone use, but ever since I started to gain more friends overseas I found myself using it more and more, so finding the middle ground again was really difficult because those friends are now the people I rely on the most. I’m now back to that healthy (for my personal lifestyle) level where my phone is back to being a tool for me rather than it being my entire life...it takes a while but honestly figuring out where your phone/social media really falls in your list of needs is one of the best things for your mental health.
I'm absolutely loving your new content and I think this is a very important topic that can be uncomfortable for a lot of people, thanks for making this and I'm so glad your in a better place now
THANK YOU so much. I’m so grateful to be able to watch your video an question my entire perception of social media, time, etc. Thank you so much for bringing this into a long and necessary discussion
I can't see myself getting rid of my smart phone, but I can see myself taking a step back from social media, like removing it from my phone. I've felt that way for a while, wanting to be more mindful with my time/spend more time on what's important to me, like writing. Your videos are very inspiring.
This is awesome. Brings me back to the early 00's and I love it. Especially the end when you talk about cd's, home phones, maps etc. This is how life used to be just a few years ago, and everyone had a completly different set of worries and expectations on themselves. I live very similarly, and I'm thankful I've been able to avoid social media. Thanks for making this video. Blessed be!
Thank you so much for sharing your journey on this platform with us. I always enjoy watching your videos and they often times help me out as well. I decided to delete Instagram tonight (for like the 5th time) because I have experienced the same thing. Cheers to better self discovery and less meaningless distraction/negativity!
Just wanted to say I am grateful for your inner child work information. I have found it helpful. I also enjoy your proactive videos for helping mental health. ❤️
Here in Brazil, all our documents and banks are becoming fully digital. So it’s kinda impossible to not have an iPhone hahahahah but i use time limit a lot, and it really helps! I spend 12 times less time online than before!
I'm so happy I came across this video. It's definitely a sign. I don't feel a negative influence for social media but its definitely a dissociation mechanism for me as well. Thank you for sharing Harmony!
Deleted Snapchat created a lot of room for me but sadly I’ve been on social media a lot since I downloaded tiktok and while I use it to learn I also notice it affects my emotions and triggers things I’m working on but also triggers me to work on things it’s a double edged sword
@@annaheas 💖🥰 you are literally so sweet! I’m feeling ready I realize I use most of my platforms as a form of information and learning tools Like google kinda or as a photo album I’m gonna invest in a photo printer and just start keeping printed copies of all my deepest favorites I could care less what the world sees anymore it’s just for me to remember my memories. Thank you 🙏😊
Im just gonna put this here: I want to limit my social media consumption lot and want to get back into journaling and start pen palling - so if anyones interested in becoming pen pals let me know
Badass..I think this is the movement that really needs to be happening in our time. Love your style,your honesty and authenticity. You are absaultely beautiful 💗 I gave up social media almost a year ago bc I struggled w a lot of the same feelings you shared. I feel a lot more free since I have been off of it
I noticed how addicted I was to social media about 5 years ago and slowly began cutting it out. About a month ago I decided to fully deactivate my last platform, Instagram, which has been by far the most toxic for my mental and spiritual growth. Since then I’ve deleted all social media on my phone (Pinterest&TH-cam) and now I only use my phone to listen to music, podcasts and to use my banking apps! I only use TH-cam when I go on my laptop to do workout videos or if I’m in the mood to catch up on the people (like you!) that I enjoy watching. Setting these boundaries for myself has helped immensely thus far. There’s definitely some struggles that come along, but it is much easier to reflect on how I’m feeling when I don’t have the numbing distraction of social media constantly at my finger tips!
I have been following you for quit a few years but I'm really loving what you/ your channel is becoming! I just love your calm and truthful vibe, watching your videos makes me feel really good
"Setting mindful boundaries and being aware of what serves you for positivity" - SO TRUE & IMPORTANT! It's crazy to me how easy it is to do so many things because you think you "need to,' you're "trapped," and how many things are actually negative, at least for me - just thinking "does this actually enrich my life?" seems so obvious but was so revolutionary for me! So was "social media is a tool to serve you, not you serving it." Here's hoping everyone finds their perfect way of interacting positively with social media and smartphones!
I have no intention of giving up my phone for a couple different reasons, but your last smartphone video really helped me become more aware of the time I spend on it, and helped me delete apps that I really don't need (i.e., Facebook & Instagram). Thank you for your inspiration!
My main worry with giving up my smartphone is that I'm an incredibly lonely and socially anxious person. Sometimes, the only way for me to socialize is through the apps on my phone and some of my online friends. I don't even use any social media, which I think are actually the main sources of toxicity for most people. So I think for me, just setting boundaries really helps a lot. But I would like to get rid of my smartphone at some point in my life, because I do find myself picking it up to play games or whatever when I should be doing other things, like reading or hobbies.
Before you made a video about giving up your smartphone, I myself found myself questioning the overall purpose of social media, not just that but questioning why i was doing something like modelling as well. I deleted all my social media and only use basic messaging apps for being able to keep in contact with loved ones. Smartphones sometimes feed into mental illness, and around the same time i started seeing psychologist. I;m really happy that you have been touching on this topic cause not many people do or understand the effects it has on some people and why people give up social media and using smartphones personally.
i love seeing this perspective!!! The social dilemma helped me tone it down on my phone and just find balance for myself, its great to see us all find our own ways to live in the world w these phones
I've stopped using all my social media after watching your first video about "how to break up with your smartphone" and I am really glad you keep talking about it because these videoes help me to remind why I stopped using them in the first place. It's a long journey, I know, but I noticed the good effects on me and i want to keep going. Thx Harmony ❤️
Thank you so much for this video, it's so interesting and I definitely agree that being off your phone more creates such a deeper connection to the real world
Hey, I never really comment but I watch your videos alot and I really love this idea of giving up your smartphone. Lately I've been feeling really trapped and I've started to pick up books and going for walks instead of looking at my phone and I can relate so much with everything you say!! Good luck on your journey
I gave up my phone last time this summer for months and I recently got it back because of wanting to do social media stuff. But now here I am ready to give it away again and limit myself set boundaries for myself because I’ve been feeling the same way I felt before
It's really hard for me to leave my smartphone, cause i live 10,000km away from home and i fear i won't be able to talk to my family and friends the way i do today. But I'm going to find a way to reduce it's using anyways. I really admire you, dear Harmony. Thank you for your video!
i so appreciate you sharing your updates with us! i saw your part one a while ago and it coincided with how i feel about social media (instagram specifically). since then i’ve been away from my main account for almost five months and my photography account for two and it feels much better. wishing you luck as you continue your journey! ✨
Long story short, your original video about giving up your phone helped me to realize I have adhd. Since then I’ve spoken to a doctor and am now on medication and feeling a lot better so thank you!
So I do have a smartphone but I never had social media. I remember when facebook came out, I was in high school and everyone was getting it and raving about it but I just didn't want something like that in my life. I felt it would make me anxious with the "friends" count as I am an introvert and always preferred to have a few close friends than a lot of acquaintances. So I just never made an account. When people asked me for my Facebook I just told them social media wasn't my thing, I got a few weird looks but who cares, you know? Now many of those people want to get rid of social media. So I guess I made the right decision. Someday I'll get rid of my smartphone too, I'm already trying to learn navigating without gps (it's so hard! My sense of direction is nonexistent).
i really relate to what you are saying. i actually had a simpler phone for over two years and only got a cheap smartphone because i needed a good portable camera... still follow so many of the concepts i learned from the non-smart phone though... so wonderful to hear you are doing well, ive followed you're stuff for years. xoxo
This is the second or perhaps 3rd time I've watched this video I'm enjoying to watch some content I watched a while back and honestly I am really thinking about getting rid of my smart phone but also just setting boundaries with it.
thank you for making this video, the most i can personally do is taking a break and/or eventually stopping using it as a whole. the reason i cant give up my phone is because the only way i can contact friends is online and i absolutely need music to live. im also 14 so i cant go and ask my parents to get me a new phone so i can talk to friends
I’ve become so resentful about how current society EXPECTS us to have smart phone AND be readily available on them 24/7. It feels like life has become a never ending cycle of answering WhatsApp messages, group chats, social media messages, etc. Everyone constantly feels entitled to your energy & time😔
There's also this and the double standard of it not being considered a utility by a lot of welfare systems. How am I supposed to fit into this world with these standards if I cant even pretend to meet them?
It's hard but you should try to set boundaries with others. We should normalize telling people our preferred method of communication and feel free to delete the multiple communication apps you might have and keep only one.
Yes! This describes perfectly how it feels. I have friends that literally freak out if they forget their phone at home or it goes dead. I always ask them "What did you do when we didn't have cell phones?" (I'm in my 40s and so are my friends) They just look at me like they don't remember. Tech is wonderful in its place but its such a life waster when its overused.
THIS. Yes. I am so..not even just tired, I am *exhausted* of this cycle & feeling BAD anytime I don’t reply to a message or a text right away. What the heck is that about? Or feeling upset when I check in with my friends & get one word replies if that. Orrr feeling upset because my friends don’t actually check in or message outside of social media, as if a “like” on something I’ve posted or watching my story is sufficient enough. It’s wild. It’s either something to wonder about or a realisation that actually, I don’t really have friends. A daunting feeling either way. Social media has its place for some things but it’s not worth it in the bigger picture. I thought I was the only one who felt this way.
I hate it, because even some jobs require you to have a smartphone, like for clocking in, new scheduling, etc. Our society has literally made it less possible for many people to go smartphone free.
When I'm in a really bad mental state i start REALLY noticing that i would just scroll incessantly on the dumbest bs for a _tiny_ drip of dopamine
Time is our biggest commodity and those apps are designed to steal as much of it as possible for their advertisers.
This is so true!!
Same here
Omg That's true
Even watching this video I would scroll through comment section, its hard to control my finger not to as its so easy
I feel like phone addiction is even heightened by that FOMO (fear of missing out) and desire to keep up with everyone else. It's like desire for connection, but a false/twisted yearning
thats me. I've deleted Instagram and it's been amazing and I really want to delete Facebook and Snapchat too but Facebook keeps me up to date with people and Snapchat allows me to chat to people through videos without ringing them which I like because I have phone anxiety
@@luciacaterina4130 i guess you have to consider and get to the root of, why is it that you want to keep up to date with others so much? as long as its because you enjoy it and not out of fear, i feel its okay to not make yourself wrong for using them
@@luciacaterina4130 i can relate. i'm planning on deleting tiktok because of how toxic it is, i waste SO much time on it so it will be hard. i'm not a huge instagram user but will still get rid of it. snapchat on the other hand is probably my main way of communicating with friends. but i feel like ill end up spending all my time on that instead..
Woah, this is messed up. Thank you for explaining.
I check my phone a lot because I’m always afraid that I’ll get an important call or message and miss it. I get anxious when I’m physically away from it and when I check it in fear of seeing missed messages. It’s crazyy
I’m only fifteen but I already chose to give up my phone and I feel so much freedom and in tune with the natural world around me.
Good for you!!
Goood!!
Congrats! Good for you :)
i wish i could go back to when i was 15 and tell myself to get off of it. good for you. at 25, I'm having to break this addiction.
I wish there was a non-smart phone which supported Spotify or an ipod! It is the only thing stopping me from getting rid of my phone
Just get an iPod?
@@tuesmonsoliel8241 but on an iPod you have to buy single songs/albums; I listen to spotify almost 24/7 and only pay 5 € a month.
Ikr!
@@lenanarla nope! Apple music has a 10 dollar a month program so you can listen to any music!! Still prefer spotify though haha
you could try deleting specific apps to keep yourself off them or even setting parental controls to limit time or platforms or something like that!
if you made a podcast, omg I would love to listen to it while making art and cleaning
Yesss please make a podcast!!!!! That would be so nice!!! 💗💗💗🦋🦋🦋
I am in love with your voice please make podcasts !! 💜💜💕
Love that idea!!!!
OMG SAME THO
She has a podcast. Longhouse podcast. She's not done one in a long time
Dude that’s something I noticed too! I used to always feel like there was never enough time in the day to meditate or read or repot my plants and then when I quit social media i was like holy shit... I have multiple hours more than I thought I did lol
Repot my plants part also hit home for me
I gave up instagram, tiktok, and snapchat started from yesterday. Wish me luck in this dopamine detox
smart phones cannot take away your smartness :)
THIS !! I always feel like I don't have time to read or do my hobbies or meditate or journal- but girlllll yes tf you do, you just spend it scrolling. cut it out
@@ekaputriseptiyani220 good luck ,it’s hard but after a while you will absolutely love it 🖤
Smart phones, social media etc can cause severe dopamine addiction, which is definitely a Huge issue in todays society, and I feel the reason why so many young adults, teens and kids struggle with anxiety, focus and even depression. Much love to you harmony 😊🙏💜
I completely agree and this is veery important, its wonderful we have access to these things, but is it necessary all the time and should it be normal to feel uncomfortable if we dont have access to it for even an hour? and why are we not setting boundaries with it! x
@@harmonynicee Exactly 💯 The fact that people struggle to go without looking at their phone and constantly looking at them without even getting any notifications, is a big red flag. They can be good tools, but its the industries behind all these social media platforms etc, that are the problem, they purposely design addictive platforms to keep people on their phones for as long as possible, its very unethical and causes mental illness, but they dont care because it fills their pockets 💰
@@jadeshinu So true 🙌
omg thank you for explaining. my heart starts beating really fast when i open my smart phone and i used to think it was cause im excited , but i struggle with social anxiety and whatever is on my phone always ends up putting me in a bad mood.
For sure, it’s been so hard for my younger daughter.’, because I would take it away; for disciplinary reasons. It’s like taking heroine away from a junky! It’s so harmful for kids. She is 13. Didn’t get one til this past Christmas.
Imagine the amount of masterpieces that will never be created. Before the internet, whenever someone was feeling bored, some people would just create art. But now, we've become so consumed by various methods of entertainment, that some people will probably end up never discovering their talent and use it creatively. I think about this often.
Love your name, flor de estufa ☺
Not really. Internet helps a lot because you can make your documentation. See what others artist create. I think, the best is to open your PC for social media and the phone just for calls and taking photos. The PC isn t so addictive for me.
I agree so many kids getting addicted is scary as well, they grow up being addicted to social media and having constant entertainment. I spend the time not on my phone writing in my journal, doing art, poetry and meditation. Ideas always come to me more when I'm not on my smartphone. I try and give myself one hour a day on my phone to check emails and then I put it away or if I need it for music when I'm walking I'll download the music and I'll turn the WiFi off.
this is why internet is useful to show your talents :)
people still create art..
Since Summer of 2020, I deleted Instagram and logged out of twitter and Facebook on all my devices and it's honestly been such a crazy experience. It's like I'm existing in the real world again; putting my all into school work, starting a plant jungle in my new home, reading, art etc. But all the while, I know there is this whole online environment that I'm no longer hip to. It was an adjustment at first because I didn't feel like I could relate to people or whatever news headline blurb they were regurgitating, and I just started to realize I'm breaking the cycle of addiction and putting my time into things I truly don't care about and can live happily without. It's hard to set boundaries with yourself when it not the norm for your peers.
whatever made you feel like social media was even a world? i grew up with it but never thought it was life itself...
@@Verbsdescribeus Everyone uses social media differently. Your experience of not getting sucked in is uncommon from what I've noticed. Many people in this generation, those that grew up online, have used it as not only for escapism purposes, but also as a place where they can create alternate personalities or exist under anonymity. It IS an entirely separate world from the tangible reality on the other side of the screen, and it's scary.
@@Verbsdescribeus it is a world though. No one thinks its life but it is very easy to get immersed in it, same way you can get immersed in a book or a hobby
That’s how I describe it! I gave up all social media expect TH-cam and Pinterest and I always say it’s like living in the “real world” again. You realize everyone online are really just strangers who don’t matter and that you don’t need validation or to update people or to be so connected. It really feels like being unplugged from a virtual world. Before when I had social media I cared so much about posting the best picture and knowing what everyone was doing and staying friends with everyone I went to school with when none of that mattered. Now I text the people who matter and watch TH-cam sometimes and use Pinterest for art inspiration and other inspiration. Now I’m more confident and happy and don’t even wear makeup. I realized I personally was wearing it to fit in and out of insecurity made by social media. I also grew into my true style and personality. It feels very freeing and just nice
Hows it going?
I am so..not even just tired, I am *exhausted* of social media & this digital age we are living in. For all it’s benefits & abilities to connect people, I feel more disconnected than connected. Like I didn’t know it was POSSIBLE to be as disconnected as I feel. It’s actually hard to focus on anything else when I’m not on my phone because my brain is so tuned into the scroll & this other world. It really does take you somewhere else & when someone else is on their phone they aren’t really there either, are they?
I am exhausted of feeling BAD anytime I don’t reply to a message or a text right away too. What the heck is that about? Or feeling upset when I try to check in with my friends & get one word replies if that. Orrr feeling upset because my friends honestly don’t ever check in with me or message outside of social media, as if a “like” on something I’ve posted or watching my story is sufficient enough. It’s wild. It’s either something to wonder about or a realisation that actually, I don’t really have friends. A daunting feeling either way. Social media has its place for some things but it’s not worth it in the bigger picture. I thought I was the only one who felt this way. Hours wasted on scrolling & the mutual expectation we’ve developed that people should & need to be available at ANY given moment - that’s pretty wild.
So, a wholehearted thankyou to you for not only having the courage to explore this..not having a smartphone & stepping back from it all to gain a new perspective but to also then SHARE it all with us.
I think lots of people are quietly aching for this & for more connection to themselves & to others but they don’t know how, for some this is all they’ve ever known. And to step back from something so familiar & SO addicting is really difficult, especially if you are living in the delusion of it all still. Having awareness & mindfulness is incredibly important & I just am so grateful that you shared your experiences, it’s incredibly inspiring & I can’t wait to see what continues to unfold.
Sending so so so much love.
@@lunaleavesme Hello lovely, thankyou for your thoughtful & so wonderfully written reply! This is exactly how I feel. Thankyou for sharing your experiences with me, I can really empathise & relate. I’m so happy to hear that you have solid relationships around you that are those true ones.
Thank you for writing this so beautifully. I had a similar frustration to you in regards to how disconnected you feel despite living in the age of “digital connection.” I recently got a Nokia banana phone after a friend told me how positive of an experience it was for her. It’s a feature phone that has basic internet and google maps. The internet isn’t quick and neither is GPS, but they’re functional which meets my needs. I now find that without a smartphone I will genuinely feel bored, which is wonderful motivation to give people a call that I haven’t spoke to folks, or reading a book, or doing ANYTHING that isn’t just mindless scrolling.
Anyhow, thank you for writing this so perfectly. I screenshot it and sent it to a friend. Best to you ❤️
I feel exactly the same
I love this comment so fricken much.
@@unkn0wn_416 Sad or an opportunity to work on it? It’s never too late to change patterns & take risks! And despite being uncomfortable, what is there to lose? The good news is feelings are temporary so the discomfort won’t last & what you’ll have gained will be empowering. In my experiences, even working through trauma, that is usually what happens abyways. I’m from the MSN era too :)
I had to delete my tiktok became so addicted spend hours on it every single day. I can only imagine how this affects children
I uninstall those app yesterday. Good luck for us. We need dopamine detox.
I deleted all social media (but like facebook/discord to talk to friends) and it felt so freeing! I re downloaded Tiktok recently but set a time limit for it. The timelimit definitely helps! I still feel connected to my generational humor and am making sure I'm not addicted. Its great!
I'm happy you could give it up but for me I'm too far gone. I usually spend around 70+ hours a week on youtube.
Once I factor in audio books, podcast and social media on top of that. Basically all my waking time is online.
I need a video playing to fall asleep now and I've even started watching content in the shower im so addicted. I tried seeing a psychologist but I couldn't afford to keep seeing him.
So I've basically just accepted that this is my life now.
it's legit hypnosis. Ever since I deleted the app, the sounds trigger me a bit its really odd.
mhm yeah i deleted it as well my mental health improved so much afterwards
I love writing good old fashioned letters sometimes, it just feels so special to give and receive handwritten letters. I always find pretty stationary at Thrift shops.
Same here. Thrift shops are the best place to find stationery for me. I love the thin paper that vintage stationery has. Any new stationery I’ve boughten is so thick.
I cut out Instagram and facebook and as soon as I did I felt SO GOOD. My life changed DRAMATICALLY since that point in time. I love myself and feel like NO ONE can compare to me - for the first time in a while 🥺
Your hair is growing lovely harmony ♥️
when you said you were always living through aesthetics, i full relate to that right now!! i definitely need to work on figuring out my true self instead of focusing on what my ‘aesthetic’ is and making that define me!
I’ve been slowly cutting out my social media since seeing your first phone video and thank you for helping me regain a sense of self. ❤️
i haven’t had a smart phone for 5 years now. I gave it up as part of coming to terms and addressing a porn addiction. i will never have a smart phone again.
i'm proud of you ! being able to address an addiction that's so under the radar and helping yourself is so lovely.
@Mariana Farías i battled that addiction and the phone addiction for a very long time, years but I must say i’m doing totally cool on all fronts! never felt more mentally ‘together’ because of it.
Proud of you!
wow that’s amazing!!
@@GoogleUser-xt3bn i just got rid of the phone, well i smashed a screen and just bought a cheap £15 quid phone and never looked back. for the first few weeks i’d constantly pull my new phone out and i’d just realise all i could do is check the time. Eventually i deprogrammed that and would just enjoy looking around at the world.
I feel a constant pressure to reply to peoples messages every day. I don't, I may take 3/4 days. And then I always have to apologise and I feel as if I am distancing myself more and more. I don't have the mental capacity to be constantly in conversation with people. I think getting rid of a smart phone would fix these problems!
I dont even say sorry anymore
If you find a solution let me know, cuz I don’t want to have so many messaging apps,I’ve reduced them to only two which i need for college but i still get the feeling that I should be available 24/7
I literally just put all of my social media apps into a folder on my Home Screen and moved it to a different page to make it “harder to get to” and out of my immediate field of view :)
I haven't had social media for 5 years and I only use TH-cam and pintrest that's literally it lol I didn't change my phone or anything but I'm used to it now. Honestly it was one of the best choices I've made.
Omggg I was just about to say this! I have accounts on some others but I literally only use Pinterest and TH-cam daily 😂 I do use Snapchat, but just with my one bff, my mom, my Aunt, and my husband 😂
@@rapa2894 hahahaha your not alone! Sorry I forgot to mention snapchat too but literally only have 2 friends on there hahaha
If i didnt have an issue with youtube then id be golden 🤧
Yes,smartphones can be helpful with the right apps
I relate to this so much. It's embarrassing to say but I've found myself living these significant moments in life thinking about the social media post I will make about it, rather than living in the moment, and it really is like a drug. I grew up in that weird period when Facebook was just taking off and MySpace was big etc, and it used to be just a fun hobby or a way of keeping in contact with friends, but now it's all consuming and I really do feel like a much less present, less introspective, less connected, more superficial person as a result
Same here. I also feel like it's easier to connect with people online, whereas I most likely wouldn't have this conversation with you in real life. I find it really hard to talk to people in real life, even people I'm close to and know well.
It's kinda weird to think about how the younger/new generations don't know a world without internet or smart phones. I can totally see why many would not know how to be with themselves or do activities outside of phones etc(and not use them for pics and whatnot).
dude fr. it reminds me of this post i saw where a kid didn’t believe his dad saying he was older than google 😭😭
It’s so concerning to me that young people are starting their online lives so early. They’re completely skipping the step of just going on the Internet to play some dress up games or use club penguin. They’re going straight to social media now and don’t have the opportunity to live a life that doesn’t take place online. It’s so sad to see children (young girls especially) comparing themselves to influencers thinking that there’s something wrong with them. I can see how the suicide rate has increased so much for teenagers over the last few years...
@@jammydoughnuts that’s the parents’ fault. They give their children a smartphone from a really reallyyy young age just to keep them preoccupied because apparently they don’t wanna deal with their children. It’s a shame to see a 4 y/o being already addicted to stupid internet games.
@@myrtila I really agree. For a while i was one of those internet kids who thought the internet was amazing and a good thing for us kids. Im 14 and today i gave up my phone. Im getting a flip phone soon :)))
as 'the younger generation' i totally agree, Me and my friends find it hard to do simple things like reading because we're so used to constant distraction, that's why I love harmony nices influence online! its great shes inspiring so many people cut there screentime
YES! My therapist told me the difference between doing something relaxing and something toxic is whether I'm trying to escape myself, or caring for myself. What that looks like can be different for everyone. It sounds like social media you were escaping yourself, but doing art plugs you into you, and grounds you, and helps you care for yourself. Thanks for being so open about this
I just gave up Instagram, cuz I just need my phone for music and videos like these. But it's so hard to see family addicted to toxic social media. There's anything you say to them, they are clearly unhappy.
I agree!!! I try to converse with some family members and sometimes they won’t even look up at me, or they’ll ask me to repeat myself because they’re that glued.
I've basically done the same thing but the tattoo artist I'm trying to go post their books opening on Instagram so I only allow myself to get on to check those things. I wish I could just get rid of social media completely but there's just small things I still need it for :/
@@firefoxx903 Or you think you need, cuz when you give up you see it wasn't a big deal.
@@ananimo1473 the biggest problem is the tattoo artist thing, it's very important to me to get to be tattooed by them so I keep up with it. But yeah I'm sure there's a lot of things social media may be “needed” for but it's really not that serious. Once I get to that artist Instagram will be deleted for sure
@@firefoxx903 Good for you , wish you luck ❤️🇧🇷
I don't think that I'm ready to fully give up my smartphone yet, but this video pushed me over the edge I needed in order to delete instagram and tumblr off of my phone. I've been spending SO many hours scrolling through reels and just occupying myself without doing anything good for myself. I've lost touch with myself and my purpose and I'm ready to make changes
I am 40 years old, never had Instagram or Facebook ect. and i never will, i can't imagine the pressure being young and keeping up on all the social media, Harmony you are an inspiration, keep it up x
This goes to show how toxic social media and our phones are ..
We’re literally addicted to these things that we don’t even see time passing us by while we’re on it.
I'm slowly weening myself off my phone. Even just taking the time to be mindful and notice how much time I spend on my phone is so interesting and also a bit scary! x
Giving up a smart phone sounds like the 90s. And I loved the 90s. 😜
been dealing with some very painful waves lately. i barely go on social media anymore. spotify and youtube are my exceptions.
edit : this is the most amount of likes i have ever gotten!! hi 😂😂. so...I feel that maybe because all you guys liked my comment, you can relate to it and i hope you're all feeling balanced within yourselves and that your minds aren't too loud. remember that loneliness can be good but too much of it can infect your sensitive state. never give in to the media telling you what to do and how to look. you're perfect. uniqueness is needed right now. we need all different energies spread out around the universe. be kind to yourself. the skies will clear. 💌
Same TH-cam is deff my exception.
spotify and youtube are ok in my eyes because you can watch videos and listen to music without having to compare your "likes" with everyone else 🙏
TH-cam can be an addiction as well.
Check your app time list and see for how long u use youtube everyday
@@shuttzi9878 no doubt I use it A LOT I work from home it gives some outside communication I’m a true crime junkie. Lol
I feel the same,once i hit my YA years i realised i had really fallen out of love with social media, i still enjoy it for inspo but lately i go on insta like once a day for a little bit and it wasnt even a conscious decision and its been the biggest breath of fresh air, the dissonance that happened when i was on it constantly was crazy and i didnt even realise it was happening. Now i mostly use YT because its not as demanding and still fulfilling as well as educational. Once i just started doing things because i wanted to instead with the express reason of posting it has honestly been so good for me. 💕
I am a mom of 4 and fully addicted to my phone. It’s my only form of distraction and I hate how much I long for the numbing. I dream of better days where I find the strength to be without and be present for all the things- good and bad.
4 kids must be so overwhelming. I got two and managed to quit social and gave up my smartphone. Maybe you could start with tiny steps, like setting a time limit?
There are other more productive hobbies you could try to explore if you want to rely on your phone less, reading and crafts are really good distractions. Crafting (crochet, macrame, knitting for me personally) are particularly good imo because you can do it on any budget, in any place, and at the end you have a tangible item to use, sell, or gift. It can be very meditative as well if you stick to basic patterns.
Try use the PC. All the internet and apps it was made for your PC. So use the phone just for calls and photos.
I saw a couple comments about it but you should DEFINITELY make a podcast!!
I was literally on the verge of buying a new smartphone, because the microphone of my current phone broke. I have an old blackberry laying around and think I will try to use this one for a while.
Thank you for this!
like girl where is the apartment tour video?!
Really worrysome to hear that some people don’t know where to get their news without social media...
do you have any good news sources you could recommend like specific websites?
I've noticed that the worse my mental state is the more I post or want to post on instagram. And then I regret sharing it with so many people that don't care. I've also got a creepy stalker that found out my work place through a photo that my coworker tagged me on (I didn't think anyone looks at this section at all so it wasn't private). So yeah that's how I ended up deleting it from my phone. Literally instagram gives me only negative feelings after that dopamine that you get from scrolling.
i'm now on a nokia brick and practicing non-attachment, devoting more time to things I love and I can thank you for being the final push I needed. Deep attachments can be unhealthy and I'm gad I recognised that with my attachment to my phone
I rage quit social media in May and I haven’t really looked back since. Checked back for some photos I needed and to find someone’s phone number lol
SAME!! i was watching mean girls two last april and did a rage quit- no regrets
It's been 2 years for me. I still miss it sometimes. It's crazy tbh.
After watching your first video, you inspired me to get rid of my smartphone, 4 months without a Smartphone! I just want to say Thank you!! It's honestly the best thing I have ever done, I feel more connected and present. I'm happier. I was using it as a distraction from all sorts of anxiety and suffering a lot of waves of dissociation. After watching your last video though it was as if you were talking straight to me. Thank you so much Harmony! Glad you're still plodding on with you little basic phone! Much love!
It sucks that "normal" is having a smartphone but in reality that's not normal, we just haven't noticed because everyone has one
also a difference between healthy "distractions" and unhealthy distractions is that healthy distractions (or, more appropriately, habits) require skill. Reading, art, crafts, gardening, etc; these all require skill and over time you become more skillful. Social media? What skill does that provide?
I mean tons of people make money of social media
Having listened to the audiobook of 'How to break up with your phone' after watching your video on it, I've also found a great deal of peace in setting those boundaries and re-examining my relationship with my phone. One thing I've found as a great way to keep in contact with people and re-connecting with important people and friends, is writing letters! Postcards, letters and sending cards in the post has felt really special and and a much more present, thoughtful way to connect
I honestly love the 35mm camera, they're so cute. Sure they're not "perfect" but that's the beauty of older photography. Also for mindfulness and meditation, I got the same phone as you and I just downloaded everything I wanted onto an sd card :)
I also quite my smartphone, I use to use it like most of the people, just scrolling and scrolling, but since I gave up, I have noticed how much things I can do now. How I can enjoy so much in communication, how much can I enjoy in reading books, go for a walk without scrolling and enjoy in the moment. I can meditate, I write on paper things I am grateful/thankful for. Life is so much interessted now I dont waste time on scrolling and I have more time and better life. I met more friends like this because I communicate more and it is really amazing. Like I got a new life. You can explore yourself more and care for yourself more and you can work better on yourself, health, and you are more happy 🤗 thanks for your motivation 🤗
It's almost 20 days that I don't use facebook. Deleted IG like 3 years ago, and it feels so good. Now I just check a dance group on fb once a week but I don't post anything in my page nor I put 'likes'. When you stop to do this, you understand how stupid it is. No more nasty opinions, I don't look at other people's profiles. No more selfies of 'perfect' people or lifes. I've started to meditate, reading a LOT, and I'm taking drawing lessons and studying with more concentration, positivity and I feel more faithful for the future. I feel more pretty, more self centered and I have more time to think about myself. Also, I've started to volonturee. I don 't want to live through a screen, that' s not what we, as a humanity, are meant for
i just deleted my facebook and instagram accounts after not being on them for four weeks!!! it feels so freeing and all the thanks go to you! thank you harmony ❤️
Hi Harmony, I think its wonderful that with your drift away from Instagram, you are connecting more deeply with TH-cam. I don't have an Instagram, or any social media really (other than TH-cam) so it knowing that you will be putting more of your energy into this platform and sharing your voice means a lot to me. Your new content, with the focus on mindfulness, healing, growth, spirituality, tarot, and magickal ways to benefit mental health is a wonderful direction for your channel to go in.
Having said that, I noticed that a lot of your older videos have been removed (or set to private). I really loved your haunted house and unsolved mystery videos, and I actually linked some of the haunted house ones to a friend the other day but now she can't watch them. I'm sure you have your personal reasons for removing them from public viewing, but I think they were great videos - you clearly did a lot of research, and your energy is so vibrant and enthusiastic, its obvious that you genuinely found these topics interesting to talk about. I really hope you reconsider making some of those public again.
Also, as a future video idea, I'd love to hear you speak more about some of the new hobbies you have learnt since giving up your smartphone. The journey with your Kalimba would be super interesting. I'd love to know how you discovered the instrument, how often you practice, benefits of music on your mental health, and how it makes you feel when you play. Do you only focus on learning specific song tabs (like the Zelda music I've seen you play in your videos), or do you also improvise and just let your creativity flow when you feel like it? Is this the first musical instrument you have learnt, or do you play other instruments too (other than your meditation bowl)?
You are such an inspiration for me. A lot of things you talk about are so helpful to me and I believe a lot more persons. You are amazing!
I ditched my smartphone in early November 2020. I'm 15 years old and am the only person that I know who doesn't use one (even my grandparents). I relate to everything you have said in both of your videos on this topic. I have struggled with dissociation/derealization for a couple of years now and not having a smart phone has helped me find a peaceful connection within my mind, body, spirit, and surroundings- but consequently a disconnection from others. I was wondering if you have experienced times where you are the only person in the room who was not staring at a screen? I find that this happens to me several times daily. As the room falls silent and I watch everyone enter a trance, I struggle to not feel isolated. I never mention it so no one feels judged. If you or anyone else has advice it would be much appreciated
You sound so sweet and I’m glad you’ve gotten out of the mindset that everyone else seems to be trapped in. I totally feel the same way in regards to feeling isolated when others go on their phones... but I do know that I’m doing the best I can and bettering myself when I don’t go online. Not to be judgemental towards them or anything, but it works for me and that’s the most important thing. Being in the moment is so crucial and so many of us seem to have forgotten that.
Been working hard to disconnect from my phone recently. I do just want to add that social media can be used in good ways too. I was diagnosed with breast cancer last July and instagram helped me connect with so many amazing young women going through what I was going through, it became a really good support system for me. But I completely agree with what you said about boundaries. I'm trying hard to make sure I'm only using it in ways that I feel benefit and support me!
do you have a podcast? i would definitely recommend you make one because a lot of us could sit and listen to you for hours
I love that idea of slow communication with personal boundaries. I hate it, when my phone interrupts me and I feel like I must react right away, and drop everything
I literally try so hard to give up my phone but then i remember there is nothing else to do in lockdown and start using it again🤦🏻♀️
There is soooo much to do! Reading, crafts, walks, podcasts, yoga, etc. sky is the limit. We’ve just been conditioned to believe that the most important thing we could be doing is stare at a screen for 8+ hours a day.
There's certainly a lot to do! You can learn something new, even if you use your phone to learn it, if it's an activity that's outside of just using your phone that's already doing something "without" the phone. You can learn a new recipe, draw, write a story, make a collage, learn a dance, learn to play an instrument or sing, learn a new language, read books, take walks without a phone, I believe even doing things on your phone that's outside of like using social media is already pretty cool, like go on wikipedia and learn something new, read an actual article from a news site instead of just a feed, research a topic you are interested about and take notes! I understand that there's a social aspect that is less available in the pandemic that social media helps keep contact with people but there's a lot you can do by yourself or with close friends and family.
Hun you will discover talents and skills. You felt you thought weren't capable off....order creative stuff on line...or check skill share. And go lass ! I'm 62 and discovered lots of skills through my life..Starts with a thought.....? Bake cook ? 🤔😃
@@phosphenevision yes I totally agree, there are lots of things to do. What I actually meant is I still end up using my phone at the end of the day and cannot stop using it completely. That is what I’ve been trying to do lately tho, hoping it works. Thanks tho:)
I think it’s also ok to admit that it is hard not to use your phone. And even though there are lots of things to do off your phone, it’s more about discovering what you actually like doing other than being on your phone. It’s fine saying you could do yoga but if you hate yoga then it’s not going to work ha. Good luck x
i really believe you will be a great healer in the future!
Honestly it’s so healthy to disconnect and have peace without drama or negativity just you with your self
I think il keep my phone turned off for as long as I see fit because I find I’m addicted to mine and I just need to just be with myself without the baggage of others
Protecting my energy and peace 💫✨
Girl!! From a 37yr old witch that grew up in the 90's in California, you are giving me all the nostalgic vibes of my youth and my boho witchy aunts, haha xo. I really feel for your whole generation that you couldn't experience life before social media in an organic way and have to do so much to try to avoid it. From your new (old school) phone, to older camera, to emails, to maps irl, to cd players...it really was a simpler time to grow up then. I have loved your videos for years and think you are so wise for your age, learning what most don't til their 30's or hell, 70's in some cases. Careful with TH-cam too, it's definitely not the same beast as Insta, but it's pretty addicting too and promotes the same FOMO, or versions of someones life that make others feel inferior. I lump them all into the same category actually, but haven't heard you speak ill at all about TH-cam, which I understand, but it's def a problem too. Spread the word though, the more your generation gets off these social platforms and look up from the glare of the computers and iphones and start living life organically again, the less stressed you'll all be. Much love. Blessed Be
My smartphone broke about 3 weeks ago and at first I was incredibly sad, because of all the things I thought I had lost and worried about losing 4 years of my life. This really made me realise how much I was relying on my my smartphone as a coping mechanism. I ended up getting another smartphone, but my relationship with it has changed drastically and I now only use it to text someone and mostly leave it at home unless I need it for a specific reason. And I feel much better!
I’ve always had pride in being able to regulate my phone use, but ever since I started to gain more friends overseas I found myself using it more and more, so finding the middle ground again was really difficult because those friends are now the people I rely on the most. I’m now back to that healthy (for my personal lifestyle) level where my phone is back to being a tool for me rather than it being my entire life...it takes a while but honestly figuring out where your phone/social media really falls in your list of needs is one of the best things for your mental health.
I'm absolutely loving your new content and I think this is a very important topic that can be uncomfortable for a lot of people, thanks for making this and I'm so glad your in a better place now
a book i love on social media is '10 arguments for deleting your social media accounts right now', by Jaron Lainer :) so good!!!
I’m obsessed with your top Harmony 🤩
THANK YOU so much. I’m so grateful to be able to watch your video an question my entire perception of social media, time, etc. Thank you so much for bringing this into a long and necessary discussion
Got my flip phone a few weeks ago, I LOVE it! Definitely get weird looks a lot, but it’s so worth it!
I just deleted social media apps off my phone. Thank you for inspiring me!
I can't see myself getting rid of my smart phone, but I can see myself taking a step back from social media, like removing it from my phone. I've felt that way for a while, wanting to be more mindful with my time/spend more time on what's important to me, like writing. Your videos are very inspiring.
This is awesome. Brings me back to the early 00's and I love it. Especially the end when you talk about cd's, home phones, maps etc. This is how life used to be just a few years ago, and everyone had a completly different set of worries and expectations on themselves. I live very similarly, and I'm thankful I've been able to avoid social media. Thanks for making this video. Blessed be!
Thank you so much for sharing your journey on this platform with us. I always enjoy watching your videos and they often times help me out as well. I decided to delete Instagram tonight (for like the 5th time) because I have experienced the same thing. Cheers to better self discovery and less meaningless distraction/negativity!
Just wanted to say I am grateful for your inner child work information. I have found it helpful. I also enjoy your proactive videos for helping mental health. ❤️
Here in Brazil, all our documents and banks are becoming fully digital. So it’s kinda impossible to not have an iPhone hahahahah but i use time limit a lot, and it really helps! I spend 12 times less time online than before!
Using social media has nothing to do with necessary things like paying your bills
@@nicoleavery7238 it doesn’t, but if you have to have a phone for bills it makes it tempting to use it for other things like social media.
I'm so happy I came across this video. It's definitely a sign. I don't feel a negative influence for social media but its definitely a dissociation mechanism for me as well. Thank you for sharing Harmony!
Deleted Snapchat created a lot of room for me but sadly I’ve been on social media a lot since I downloaded tiktok and while I use it to learn I also notice it affects my emotions and triggers things I’m working on but also triggers me to work on things it’s a double edged sword
@@annaheas 💖🥰 you are literally so sweet! I’m feeling ready I realize I use most of my platforms as a form of information and learning tools
Like google kinda or as a photo album I’m gonna invest in a photo printer and just start keeping printed copies of all my deepest favorites I could care less what the world sees anymore it’s just for me to remember my memories. Thank you 🙏😊
I’ve realized Tik Tok is extremely triggering and draining
Im just gonna put this here: I want to limit my social media consumption lot and want to get back into journaling and start pen palling - so if anyones interested in becoming pen pals let me know
@@hollyjolly4984 thats cool! I could give you my insta and you could send me a message there maybe?
@alicia helloooo sorry for replying this late :3 I could give you my insta and we can talk there maybe?
@@hollyjolly4984 oki so my insta is lillvvy
Hi, are you all still doing pen palling? I’d love to try
Always so happy when you upload💕
Badass..I think this is the movement that really needs to be happening in our time.
Love your style,your honesty and authenticity. You are absaultely beautiful 💗 I gave up social media almost a year ago bc I struggled w a lot of the same feelings you shared. I feel a lot more free since I have been off of it
I noticed how addicted I was to social media about 5 years ago and slowly began cutting it out. About a month ago I decided to fully deactivate my last platform, Instagram, which has been by far the most toxic for my mental and spiritual growth. Since then I’ve deleted all social media on my phone (Pinterest&TH-cam) and now I only use my phone to listen to music, podcasts and to use my banking apps! I only use TH-cam when I go on my laptop to do workout videos or if I’m in the mood to catch up on the people (like you!) that I enjoy watching. Setting these boundaries for myself has helped immensely thus far. There’s definitely some struggles that come along, but it is much easier to reflect on how I’m feeling when I don’t have the numbing distraction of social media constantly at my finger tips!
I have been following you for quit a few years but I'm really loving what you/ your channel is becoming! I just love your calm and truthful vibe, watching your videos makes me feel really good
"Setting mindful boundaries and being aware of what serves you for positivity" - SO TRUE & IMPORTANT!
It's crazy to me how easy it is to do so many things because you think you "need to,' you're "trapped," and how many things are actually negative, at least for me - just thinking "does this actually enrich my life?" seems so obvious but was so revolutionary for me! So was "social media is a tool to serve you, not you serving it."
Here's hoping everyone finds their perfect way of interacting positively with social media and smartphones!
I have no intention of giving up my phone for a couple different reasons, but your last smartphone video really helped me become more aware of the time I spend on it, and helped me delete apps that I really don't need (i.e., Facebook & Instagram). Thank you for your inspiration!
My main worry with giving up my smartphone is that I'm an incredibly lonely and socially anxious person. Sometimes, the only way for me to socialize is through the apps on my phone and some of my online friends. I don't even use any social media, which I think are actually the main sources of toxicity for most people. So I think for me, just setting boundaries really helps a lot. But I would like to get rid of my smartphone at some point in my life, because I do find myself picking it up to play games or whatever when I should be doing other things, like reading or hobbies.
I got ride from thoughts and anxiety since leaving the smartphone and connect again with myself, it was the best step for me 🤗
Also love the natural lighting ❤️
Before you made a video about giving up your smartphone, I myself found myself questioning the overall purpose of social media, not just that but questioning why i was doing something like modelling as well. I deleted all my social media and only use basic messaging apps for being able to keep in contact with loved ones. Smartphones sometimes feed into mental illness, and around the same time i started seeing psychologist. I;m really happy that you have been touching on this topic cause not many people do or understand the effects it has on some people and why people give up social media and using smartphones personally.
i love seeing this perspective!!! The social dilemma helped me tone it down on my phone and just find balance for myself, its great to see us all find our own ways to live in the world w these phones
The fact I have to choose between online school or happiness 🥲
I've stopped using all my social media after watching your first video about "how to break up with your smartphone" and I am really glad you keep talking about it because these videoes help me to remind why I stopped using them in the first place. It's a long journey, I know, but I noticed the good effects on me and i want to keep going. Thx Harmony ❤️
Thank you so much for this video, it's so interesting and I definitely agree that being off your phone more creates such a deeper connection to the real world
You're sooo beautiful!!! I love what your channel is becoming too!
Hey, I never really comment but I watch your videos alot and I really love this idea of giving up your smartphone. Lately I've been feeling really trapped and I've started to pick up books and going for walks instead of looking at my phone and I can relate so much with everything you say!!
Good luck on your journey
I gave up my phone last time this summer for months and I recently got it back because of wanting to do social media stuff. But now here I am ready to give it away again and limit myself set boundaries for myself because I’ve been feeling the same way I felt before
this video brought me so much joy and peace
It's really hard for me to leave my smartphone, cause i live 10,000km away from home and i fear i won't be able to talk to my family and friends the way i do today. But I'm going to find a way to reduce it's using anyways. I really admire you, dear Harmony. Thank you for your video!
I wish I could that,
I don't use social media or anything, but I use my phone for work.
i so appreciate you sharing your updates with us! i saw your part one a while ago and it coincided with how i feel about social media (instagram specifically). since then i’ve been away from my main account for almost five months and my photography account for two and it feels much better. wishing you luck as you continue your journey! ✨
Long story short, your original video about giving up your phone helped me to realize I have adhd. Since then I’ve spoken to a doctor and am now on medication and feeling a lot better so thank you!
So I do have a smartphone but I never had social media. I remember when facebook came out, I was in high school and everyone was getting it and raving about it but I just didn't want something like that in my life. I felt it would make me anxious with the "friends" count as I am an introvert and always preferred to have a few close friends than a lot of acquaintances. So I just never made an account. When people asked me for my Facebook I just told them social media wasn't my thing, I got a few weird looks but who cares, you know?
Now many of those people want to get rid of social media. So I guess I made the right decision.
Someday I'll get rid of my smartphone too, I'm already trying to learn navigating without gps (it's so hard! My sense of direction is nonexistent).
i really relate to what you are saying. i actually had a simpler phone for over two years and only got a cheap smartphone because i needed a good portable camera... still follow so many of the concepts i learned from the non-smart phone though... so wonderful to hear you are doing well, ive followed you're stuff for years. xoxo
Happy Saturday, Harmony 💕
Thank you for doing the work and processing and sharing ❤ This helped a lot. Also love the colors.
This is the second or perhaps 3rd time I've watched this video I'm enjoying to watch some content I watched a while back and honestly I am really thinking about getting rid of my smart phone but also just setting boundaries with it.
thank you for making this video, the most i can personally do is taking a break and/or eventually stopping using it as a whole. the reason i cant give up my phone is because the only way i can contact friends is online and i absolutely need music to live. im also 14 so i cant go and ask my parents to get me a new phone so i can talk to friends