As of 2025, roughly 5.2 billion people around the world are on social media—that’s about 64% of the global population. Whether it’s TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, or any of the other available options, social media can feel like a never-ending stream of content, opinions, and updates from everyone around you (and even those on the other side of the planet). While staying connected to friends, family, and even strangers with similar interests can be great, it’s also easy to become overwhelmed or drained by the endless flow of information. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your mental and emotional health is to hit the unfollow button.
Unfollowing people might seem harsh or rude, but it’s actually one of the most powerful ways to take control of your social media experience and protect your mental health. Here’s why unfollowing people on social media can be a form of self-care—and why it might just be the reset you need.
It removes negative energy.
Social media might have started from a positive place, but these days, it’s a breeding ground for negativity. Whether it’s people constantly complaining, sharing toxic opinions, spreading misinformation, or stirring up drama, negativity can quickly drain your energy. If someone’s content makes you feel drained, anxious, or frustrated, unfollowing them is a simple way to reduce that negative influence. You don’t need to keep people in your feed who consistently bring you down. Curating your online space to focus on positivity and uplifting content is a crucial part of self-care.
It gives you more control over your feed.
We often forget that we have control over what we see on social media. Unfollowing people can give you a sense of empowerment by allowing you to decide what shows up in your feed. Instead of passively scrolling through posts that leave you feeling overwhelmed or stressed, you can take charge of the content you consume. That level of control can make social media feel more manageable and even enjoyable again.
It helps you avoid comparisons.
One of the biggest downsides of social media is how easy it is to compare yourself to other people. Whether it’s their seemingly perfect life, career success, or picture-perfect family, constant comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. If there are people in your feed who make you feel bad about where you are in life, unfollowing them can be a simple yet effective way to protect your mental health. It’s about creating space for content that makes you smile and inspires you, not content that triggers comparison.
It protects your mental health.
Social media can be a major source of stress, especially if you’re following people who share controversial opinions, news that makes you anxious, or posts that simply don’t align with your values. If you find that certain accounts leave you feeling emotionally drained or upset, unfollowing them is an easy way to protect your mental health. You don’t have to engage with content that causes stress or anxiety. By unfollowing these accounts, you’re choosing your mental well-being over anything else.
It encourages boundaries.
Unfollowing people isn’t about being rude; it’s about setting boundaries. Just because someone is in your social media network doesn’t mean you have to let them take up space in your digital life. If someone’s posts are making you uncomfortable, or you feel like their content doesn’t align with your values, it’s perfectly okay to unfollow them. It’s a boundary that protects your emotional space. You don’t have to engage with everything and everyone just because they’re online.
It frees up time and energy.
Let’s face it—social media can be time-consuming. You can find yourself endlessly scrolling, checking updates, and getting sucked into content that doesn’t even bring you joy. By unfollowing people who don’t add value to your feed, you can start curating a more meaningful experience. This helps you save time and energy that you can redirect to activities that genuinely improve your life—whether that’s spending time with loved ones, pursuing a hobby, or simply enjoying some quiet time.
It promotes authenticity.
Social media often encourages curated versions of reality, with people posting only the highlights of their lives. This can create unrealistic expectations and contribute to feelings of disconnection. Unfollowing people who aren’t being authentic or are constantly putting on a perfect façade can help you refocus on what truly matters: authenticity. When your feed is filled with real, honest content, it’s easier to feel like you can be yourself, too. You deserve to follow accounts that reflect your own values and interests, not other people’s carefully filtered lives.
It reduces digital clutter.
Much like physical clutter in your home, digital clutter can overwhelm your mind. Constant notifications, endless posts, and a chaotic feed can create a sense of mental clutter. Unfollowing people who aren’t adding value to your life or who are constantly posting things that don’t resonate with you can clear up that digital clutter. A cleaner, more intentional feed can create a sense of peace and order in your online space.
It supports your own growth.
As we grow, so do our interests and priorities. What you enjoyed a year ago might not be relevant to where you are now. Unfollowing people who no longer align with your personal growth can help you stay focused on the things that matter to you today. Whether it’s following accounts that support your career aspirations, hobbies, or personal development, unfollowing can be a way to ensure that your digital environment is in line with where you want to be.
It lets you create a more positive social environment.
You don’t have to follow everyone you’ve ever met, and you definitely don’t have to follow people who don’t contribute positively to your life. Social media is meant to be a tool for connection, not a place to feel overwhelmed or discouraged. By unfollowing people who bring negativity or drama into your feed, you’re creating a space that’s more supportive, uplifting, and aligned with your values. Having a more positive online space can help you focus on your goals and maintain a healthier relationship with social media.
It’s a good way to show yourself some love.
It might feel harsh to unfollow people, especially if you’ve been following them for a long time. But the truth is, unfollowing can be one of the healthiest things you can do for your own well-being. It’s not about cutting people out of your life; it’s about taking control of your online experience and prioritising your mental health. By unfollowing accounts that don’t bring positivity or value, you’re creating a more intentional, less draining social media experience. And that, in itself, is an act of self-care.
