Life Without TikTok: A Business Owner’s Reflection on Going Dark
Life Without TikTok: A Business Owner’s Reflection on Going Dark
On January 19, 2025, I made a decision that felt monumental in the world of social media—a world I had grown to love, particularly on TikTok. The anticipation surrounding the platform’s potential ban was too much for me to handle. I chose to go dark, uninstalling not just TikTok but also Instagram. It felt like a necessary step for my mental health and, ultimately, my personal and professional growth.
TikTok had become a second home for me, a place where I built a diverse community of incredible individuals and learned so much. It wasn’t just a platform—it was a connection to people from all walks of life. But in my haste, I made a mistake: I uninstalled TikTok completely from my devices, only to later find out that users could still access it for 90 days. Unfortunately, it was too late for me to retrieve it.
At first, I was disappointed. The familiarity and comfort of TikTok were gone. But instead of dwelling on what I’d lost, I chose to focus on what I could gain. Without social media as a distraction, I realized just how much time it had consumed—time I could reclaim for myself, my mental health, and my business.
Here’s what I’ve been up to since going dark:
1. Exploring New Opportunities
.I’ve started applying for jobs online and taking a new course through Google. It’s called Corsica, and it’s been a great way to expand my skills.
2. Learning French
Using Duolingo, I’ve taken up learning French. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and without social media pulling my attention, I finally have the time to commit to it.
3. Reconnecting with Friends
Social media often made me feel like I was too busy to connect with friends in real life. Now, I’ve been reaching out more, setting up dinners, and truly being present in those moments.
4. Rediscovering Presence
At a recent dinner with friends, I didn’t once feel the urge to check my phone. Instead, I was fully immersed in the conversation and the company. That’s something I hadn’t realized I’d been missing.
Do I miss TikTok? Oh, absolutely. It’s hard not to miss a space that felt like home. But stepping away has given me a new perspective on how much it consumed my time and energy.
As a business owner, this break has been eye-opening. I often used social media as an excuse—saying I didn’t have time for certain things when, in reality, I just didn’t want to sacrifice my online presence. Now, without the constant pull of notifications, I’ve been able to refocus and prioritize tasks that truly matter.
This doesn’t mean I’ll never return to social media, but I’m in no rush. For now, I’m enjoying life offline—rediscovering myself, my goals, and the beauty of being present.
For fellow business owners or anyone thinking about taking a step back, I encourage you to reflect on how social media fits into your life. What is it giving you? And what might it be taking away? You might be surprised by the answers.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you ever taken a break from social media? What did you learn about yourself and your time?
What do you think? Would you like to add or adjust anything?