PETALING JAYA: Stepping away from social media, even briefly, can leave young users feeling restless, bored and anxious about missing out, a phenomenon many described to theSun after taking between 24 and 72-hour digital breaks.
Among working adults, environmental executive Syaza Lina, 34, who spends about two hours a day on social media, said boredom was her biggest challenge.
“The immediate feeling would be boredom. Social media serves as a mental escape for me, helping to distract and ease my mind from heavier thoughts.”
Syaza, who deactivated her Instagram nearly a year ago, said the move helped her feel “calmer and more present” in her daily life.
“I am more able to live in the moment without the urge to ‘report’ everything on Instagram Stories.
“It also reduces the feeling that I am falling behind or missing out.”
For heavy users, the impact was sharper.
Paralegal Elvina Lucia, 26, who spends more than seven hours daily on social media, said boredom and missing updates would be difficult to manage.
“I have never taken a break. If I did, I would likely prioritise work and sleep.”
University students shared similar experiences.
Communications student Yasmin Hasrina Azman, 24, who spends between five and seven hours daily on social media, said breaking the habit was the hardest part.
“I automatically reach for my phone, especially before bed. I feel a bit of fear of missing out (Fomo) and anxiety about what other people are doing.”
However, Yasmin said previous breaks helped her discover new hobbies, such as reading and outdoor activities.
“Emotionally, I felt less anxious by not making comparisons with others on social media.”
Student Ainur Syamsiah Fazli, 24, who spends between seven and eight hours daily on social media, also said habit was the main challenge.
“I kept reaching for my phone without realising it. It is less about anxiety and more about feeling disconnected from updates and conversations.”
For those managing multiple accounts professionally, the pressure was even greater.
Freelance social media manager Syazwan Zikry Saiful Yazan, 23, who oversees more than 10 accounts across several platforms, said missing updates was his biggest concern.
“I have several accounts because I handle social media for companies and college committees, so I need to stay updated with trends. But when I leave social media for just one hour, there are already so many new things happening. I am more worried about missing important information. Fomo is real.”
Even moderate users felt the pull.
Avid TikTok user Ain Hana Mohamad Ridhuan, 23, who spends between two and three hours daily on the platform, said the absence initially felt uncomfortable.
“It is not panic or anything, just boredom and slight restlessness at the start. But after a while, I felt calmer and less distracted, although I still missed the entertainment side of it.”
Across ages and usage patterns, a clear theme emerged: the initial discomfort is usually mild and tied more to habit than true withdrawal.
