Clean Up Your Feed: Summer is the Perfect Time for a Digital Detox

By: Caitlin Franklin | Seasonal Public Relations Intern | Digital4Good

You’ve probably heard of spring cleaning, but what about screen cleaning?

Summer break gives us time to reset, catch our breath, and maybe finally clear out that camera roll with 40 versions of the same picture. But beyond the storage on your phone, it might be time to clear out something even more important: your feed.

We spend hours a day on social media without realizing it. But if we’re being honest, a lot of what we scroll past isn’t exactly making us feel our best. Whether it’s drama or just content that doesn’t reflect who you are anymore, now’s the perfect time to step back and ask: “Why am I still engaging with this?”

When Scrolling Doesn’t Feel So Social

Let’s be real; not everything online is fun. Sometimes, what we see day after day starts to mess with how we feel. That “perfect” influencer? That news account posting back-to-back crisis updates? That classmate constantly stirring up arguments in their stories? It adds up.

Studies have shown that non-stop exposure to social media can affect everything from your sleep to your self-esteem. You don’t have to delete your apps to feel better. Sometimes, it’s as simple as choosing who (and what) you let into your feed.

Signs It’s Time for a Feed Detox

Not sure if you need to clean up your feed? Start by asking yourself these quick questions:

• Do I feel worse after I scroll?
• Do I compare myself to others constantly?
• Are there accounts that stress me out, annoy me, or drain my energy?
• Do I follow accounts I don’t actually like, so I’m in the know?
• Is my screen time higher than I want it to be?

If you answered “yes” to more than a couple of these questions, your digital space probably needs decluttering.

How to Clean Up Your Feed, Step by Step

Go Through Your Following List

Scroll through the accounts you follow and ask: “Does this bring me joy, value, or peace?” If not, it’s okay to hit unfollow — or mute if that feels easier.

Add More of What Makes You Feel Good

Your feed should reflect you. Add creators, artists, athletes, or mental health pages that match your vibe. Follow people who lift you up, not drag you down.

Mute the Noise

Some posts just feel loud — whether it’s someone oversharing, stirring up drama, or constantly selling you something. Use the mute button when unfollowing feels too complicated.

Rethink Your Explore/For You Page

If your “For You” feed looks like it’s not for you, that’s a sign. Start liking content you actually care about, and the algorithm will catch on.

Take a Break (Even a Short One)

Try logging off for an afternoon or muting notifications for a full day. The world won’t end — promise. You might even find yourself less stressed, more focused, and actually present.

Try a 3-Day Digital Detox Challenge

Try this mini challenge:

• Day 1: Unfollow or mute 10 accounts that don’t align with you
• Day 2: Follow 3 accounts that reflect your values and interests
• Day 3: Turn off social media notifications for 24 hours

This is a low-stress but super effective challenge, and it could be just what you need before school starts back again.

Your Feed = Your Space

Your social media should be a reflection of you, not who the algorithm wants you to be. If your digital space is overwhelming or feels fake, you can take back control. Unfollow the noise, mute the drama, and reclaim your peace.

Your feed is more than pixels, it’s a part of your real life. Just like you tidy your room to feel better in real life, tidying your feed can make you feel better online.

Take Action with Digital4Good

At Digital4Good, we believe that your online space should lift you up, not tear you down. This summer, take time to reset your feed, refresh your mindset, and reconnect with the things that are important to you.

Want more ways to stay smart, safe, and strong online? Visit Digital4Good to get inspired, take action, and help build a better digital world, one scroll at a time.