Disconnect to Reconnect: 7 Days of Social Media Fasting for a Mindful Ramadan
Hi everyone! I’m so glad to be writing again during this Ramadan season. As I reflect on how to make this month more special and peaceful, I realize that fasting is not only about nourishing the body but also nurturing the mind and soul. That’s why I decided to embark on a social media fast alongside my physical fast.
For a bit of background, I’ve long admired Marissa Anita, who deleted her social media accounts some time ago. Interestingly, after receiving a master’s scholarship from the British government in Digital Media and Society, she realized how social media fosters addiction through carefully designed algorithms that cater to users’ preferences.
Her statement is supported by research findings:
- Infinite scrolling features (e.g., on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook) create an endless loop that makes it hard to stop using the platform, deliberately designed to keep users engaged for longer periods. (Eyal, 2014)
- Many users experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using social media, including anxiety, irritability, and restlessness — hallmarks of addictive behavior. (Kuss & Griffiths, 2015)
With that in mind, I felt it was the right time to try a social media detox during Ramadan. I’m not someone who has multiple social media apps; in fact, Instagram is the only platform I actively use. While I don’t consider myself someone with excessive screen time, I do recognize that Instagram can be a distraction. So, for seven days, I decided to reset — and here’s what I discovered:
1. You don’t realize how much you engage with social media until you uninstall it
I’ve never considered myself a doom scroller, yet on the first day after deleting Instagram, I found myself instinctively reaching for my phone to check updates. It made me realize how ingrained the habit had become — even when I wasn’t actively thinking about it.
Most of us use social media as a default escape when we’re not busy. While that’s not inherently bad, I’ve found that shifting focus to offline activities brings a greater sense of peace. Engaging more with real-life interactions has been a refreshing change.
2. Social media friends are not the same as real-life friends
Many of us have hundreds — even thousands — of followers, and we often assume that means we have plenty of friends. However, this detox made me realize that my true friendships exist beyond social media.
During these seven days, I had zero interaction with people who usually contact me via Instagram DMs. Instead, my communication was through WhatsApp, phone calls, and in-person meetups — which actually strengthened my bonds with close friends. It’s a reminder that real friendships thrive beyond likes and comments.
3. Not knowing everything is sometimes a blessing
We often feel the need to stay updated on politics, entertainment, and friends’ lives, leading to a constant fear of missing out (FOMO). But for a week, I pressed pause button on those updates.
Surprisingly, I didn’t miss much. Important updates from close friends still reached me via personal conversations, and I felt more at peace, no longer overwhelmed by information I had no control over. This experience reminded me that not all news is necessary — and that breaking free from the algorithm’s grip is liberating.
4. There’s beauty in not sharing everything
While I’m not someone who posts frequently, I do enjoy sharing highlights — like reunions or scenic views. However, this detox helped me appreciate the beauty of privacy.
Not everything needs to be shared, and that’s perfectly okay. The people who genuinely care about you don’t need an Instagram story to check in on you — they’ll call, text, or meet up instead. That’s what truly matters.
5. More productivity, deeper spiritual connection
With no social media distractions, I found myself ticking off more tasks each day. More importantly, I had more focus on prayer and Quran recitation — making my Ramadan feel even more meaningful.
At the end of the day, I’m not advocating for completely removing social media from our lives. It has undeniable benefits, especially in staying connected. However, a temporary detox — especially during Ramadan — can help refocus our priorities.
For anyone considering a 7-day social media fast, I highly recommend it! It’s a great way to enhance worship, reconnect with loved ones, and regain control over your time. I hope this reflection is insightful, and I wish you all a blessed Ramadan!
Yours truly,
Ayudia Kirana
