Eight years ago I ditched social media and closed my accounts. There is nothing I miss about it. I’m relieved of not having to measure myself by the number of “likes” I get. I’m no longer forced to sort through content that is a deceptive mix of advertising. I like having a smaller sphere of social interactions. I’m naturally an introvert anyway.

Eight years ago was an election year, too. In the dozen of U.S. presidents that have reined during my lifetime, has any affected my day-to-day life? Not really. The choosing of a president is armchair quarterbacking. It’s religion. The politics that affect my day-to-day life are local. But it’s difficult to read any media source and escape the contest. It’s such a huge distraction and it goes on and on. Before the last presidential debate I thought, “has anyone not already made up their minds?”

I watched someone taking a “selfie” in front of an aspen grove that was changing color. I noted that the only reason anyone would take a picture of themselves is for their social media “stage”. That’s how I think of social media, trillions of personal sideshows all vying for attention. It’s such a trap.

The first few months away from social media was very difficult. It felt like I was like giving up a part of myself. But what part of me is gone? Maybe a little bit of ego. That’s not a bad thing. I’m not sure how useful ego is. And speaking of ego, the largest one in the world now owns one of the largest social media platforms.