Chereads / How I Escaped From Them / Chapter 2 - 2: Lost in the Digital Maze

Chapter 2 - 2: Lost in the Digital Maze

As I grew older, social media became a significant influence in my life. The pursuit of validation through likes, followers, and trends overshadowed my previous interests. I found myself obsessed with the latest fashion and gadgets, seeking constant approval and admiration from others. This obsession with materialism and online validation led me down a path of addiction and self-destruction.

The allure of women, often showcased in social media, further complicated my situation. I was unprepared for healthy relationships and fell into the trap of online temptations. This period of my life was marked by a series of unhealthy habits and a growing dependency on digital distractions. Social media became a breeding ground for negative influences and temptations.

My social circle during this time was far from ideal. I associated with individuals involved in drug dealing, clubbing, and other illicit activities. These relationships exposed me to a world of trouble and further distanced me from my values and beliefs. The fear of being labeled a loner kept me from distancing myself from this harmful environment. I was trapped in a cycle of negative behavior, struggling to break free but feeling powerless to change.

After high school, I realized the need for self-improvement. At 18, I was desperate to make positive changes in my life. I worked to distance myself from the bad influences of my past, though I still clung to social media. My introverted nature continued to be a challenge, and I faced numerous struggles as I tried to rebuild my life. Despite securing a minimum-wage job and purchasing a cheap car, I remained entangled in old habits.

My attempt to improve my life was thwarted by the discovery of Snapchat. The app became another avenue for temptation and distraction. I found myself chatting with girls and falling into old patterns of behavior. My unhealthy eating habits persisted, with junk food and sugary drinks dominating my diet. The cycle of addiction seemed unbreakable, and I was overwhelmed by a sense of despair.

One day, after yet another lapse into old habits, something shifted within me. I realized I couldn't continue living this way. It felt as though the world was designed to trap me in these destructive behaviors, and I needed to break free. I made a decisive choice to remove all social media platforms—Facebook, Instagram, YouTube—from my life. I decided to focus on what truly mattered: my health, my faith, and my personal growth.

With social media out of the picture, I began to make significant changes in my lifestyle. I adopted a healthier diet, avoiding junk food and soft drinks. I committed to eating home-cooked meals and drinking water. My focus shifted to my religion; I began attending daily prayers and dedicating time to reading my holy book. These changes marked the beginning of a profound transformation in my life.