In today’s hyper-connected world, social media has become an inseparable part of our lives. Platforms like Instagram offer endless entertainment, a way to connect and build personal portfolio and businesses. But for all the positive aspects, there’s a darker side —one that I’ve felt more keenly over the years, leading me to make the decision to step away.
The Allure and the Trap
Instagram started as a creative outlet for me — a space to find inspiration first. I got to discover some great musicians in there, some I ended up calling them good friends. But over time, it became something else entirely: a source of stress, a compulsion to constantly check my phone. At times I felt I found myself scrolling for hours, consuming content that didn’t add much value to my life, and feeling drained instead of inspired.
The Cost of Connection
Social media is often touted as a tool for connection, but ironically, it began to make me feel more disconnected. I noticed how real-life moments were being interrupted for the sake of getting to check my notifications. Relationships began to feel performative, and the pressure to present a curated version of myself started to take a toll on me.
The Turning Point?
I am asking myself: What am I gaining from this? The answer is unsettling. While Instagram gave me fleeting dopamine hits and occasional validation, it also exacerbated my anxiety, fostered unhealthy comparisons, and consumed hours that could have been spent on meaningful activities, like composing music instead of posting a picture of the instruments I am using. I am realizing now I want to live more intentionally, to reclaim my time and mental space ie. stepping away from Instagram and social media as a whole.
A Personal Choice
Leaving social media isn’t the right choice for everyone, and I’m not here to tell anyone what they should do or to act superior for stepping away. Social media can be an incredible tool when used thoughtfully. For me, however, stepping away feels like a transformative decision. It’s a way to remind myself that my creative value isn’t defined by an online presence or the 30 to 50 likes I might receive for validation. Life’s most beautiful moments often unfold quietly, unseen by anyone else—and that’s where I want to focus my attention.
What’s Next?
I was born in the eighties, before all this chaos began. Back then, I used to send handwritten letters to an old friend in Denmark, dropping them into the mailbox while listening to music on cassettes—which, by the way, I still do (more on that in a later post). By nature, I’m a nostalgic person, and I deeply miss the simplicity of the eighties and nineties: the distinct smell of hi-fi equipment, the warm warble of cassettes and vinyl records. I know this isn’t a unique sentiment—it likely resonates with many who grew up before the digital age.
So, what’s next? For me, the next step is clear: deleting my only remaining social media presence, my Instagram page (@geodaou). I had already deleted my other social profiles over the past year. In its place, I’ve launched a newsletter to share updates on my latest artistic projects—whether it’s new music albums, photography, or other creative work. Each newsletter will also be shared as a post on this blog.
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