Do you ever get the feeling that X (Twitter) is so negative that you're going to cut it out altogether? You're not alone. It's quite common to experience anxiety attacks after scrolling on X with all the negative posts you might see.
Ok, so you might think the best solution is to delete your Twitter account. But is that the right solution? …or is there a better way to regain control over your Twitter feed?
In this article, we'll look into practical steps you can take to make your Twitter more positive so you can surf your feed without feeling depressed or sad!
Why Leave X, Formerly Twitter?
X—formerly Twitter, can be really negative. When you open X, a lot of how you're fed is negativity, heated arguments, and streams of misinformation. It's bad enough to make you want to scream… X can really become a breeding ground for toxicity that leaves you feeling anxious and overwhelmed.
The platform's addictive nature can keep you on your screen for hours, sacrificing precious time and productivity. So we really aren't surprised if you feel leaving X is the best way to keep your mental health safe.
However, there are safer methods you can take to avoid being on the dark side of X. Before you hit that "delete account" button, why not try a detox? Think of it as digital spring cleaning.
Don't worry, we'll show you how to unfollow negativity, mute the trolls, and curate a feed that inspires and uplifts you. Imagine waking up to tweets that make you smile, not ones that make you want to punch the wall.
How to Clean Your X Feed (and Your Twitter Addiction)
We know how tiring it can be after scrolling through X. Instead of leaving X, take a deep breath and let's reclaim X together, one tweak at a time.
Here are some practical tips and tools to transform your X feed into a haven of positivity and connection.
🧹 Unfollow Toxic Accounts
One way to detox your X feed is to unfollow toxic accounts and give an X feed a whole new feel. Which accounts make your heart race or leave you feeling drained? It could be constant complainers, political hotheads, or even friends (mute them so they don't catch you) whose oversharing triggers you.
Head to those profiles and press the "unfollow" button. Don't overthink it; you deserve a feed that fuels your joy, not your stress —Don't worry Casey, I'm not going to unfollow you.
Remember, unfollowing is an ongoing process. As you use X more, you might stumble upon new accounts that exist to spread negativity. The more you do this, the more positive and inspiring your X feed becomes.
🤫 Mute Triggering Words and Accounts
X (formerly Twitter) is a minefield of triggering words. The best way to avoid that mess would be to mute triggering words and accounts. This method silences specific words, hashtags, and even entire accounts that send your anxiety soaring. So instead of waking up to racist or political bait tweets, you could wake up to an X feed filled with puppies!
The first step is to identify your triggers. What words make your stomach clench? Is it political jargon, negative new trends… make a list of these triggers to target.
The next step is to mute every single word on your list. Here's a detailed guide on how to mute words from your settings:
1️⃣ Open the X app. Tap your profile picture in the top left corner. This opens the navigation menu. Select "Settings and privacy."
2️⃣ Go to "Privacy and Safety" on the menu. Click on this option to access privacy-related settings.
3️⃣ Choose "Mute and block".
4️⃣ Tap "Muted Words." This opens the dedicated page for managing muted words. Tap "Add." This opens a field where you can enter the word you want to mute.
5️⃣ Type the word you want to mute. You can mute exact words, phrases, or even hashtags. Tap "Add." The word will be added to your list of muted words. You can mute as many words as you like.
📋 Lists and Filters
Another way to make your X feed positive is to filter your page and make your own list. These custom-made havens let you curate your feed and prioritize the content that truly matters.
What are you passionate about? Fashion? Tech? Music? Cat memes? Create a list for each interest, like "Tech," "Cattitude," or "Fashion Finds." You can have as many lists as you want!
Start by adding the accounts you love and want to see more of. News sources, friends, and influencers—fill your lists with the good stuff. Remember: quality over quantity! You can easily switch between your lists to explore different topics and moods.
How to Spend Less Time on X (Twitter)?
An effective way of reducing the negativity on X is simply to spend less time on the app. A practical method we recommend for spending less time on social media platforms like X is with the help of the Jomo app.
Jomo isn't just another app blocker. It's a digital wellness companion that allows you to set healthy boundaries with your phone and specific apps, like X. It also comes with nice presets, such as the "Conscious Use" template, that can help you break free from the Twitter vortex. This template allows you to permanently block X (Twitter) for a specified duration. All you need to do is enter a reason and a duration to use this template.
Before diving in, take a moment to reflect… Why do you want to limit your Twitter time? Is it for better sleep, more productivity, or simply to reclaim your attention for other things you enjoy?
This will help you know how much time you think you need on X:
1️⃣ Open the Jomo app and navigate to "Rules > Sessions." Choose the "Conscious Use" template and enter the name of your session, like "Twitter Detox" or "Mindful Mornings." Under "Blocked apps," tap the plus sign and select X (Twitter) from the list. You can even block other distracting apps if you wish.
2️⃣ Choose the length of your Twitter break. You can start with a lower time frame, like an hour, and gradually increase the duration as you feel more comfortable. For extra accountability, you can enable Strict Mode. This locks you out of the blocked apps, even if you try to uninstall or force-quit them.
Jomo will allow you to be in control of not just your social media life but also your personal life. You can take a break from your screen and negativity and focus on your studies or creating lasting memories with your family or friends.
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So, should you delete X (Twitter)? Well, it depends. Despite its capacity for negativity and anxiety, X can be a highly effective tool to connect with others.
This guide is not about convincing you to stay on X or urging you to hit that delete button. It's about giving you practical steps on how to make X a better experience for you. Whether it's unfollowing toxic accounts, silencing triggering words, or setting time limits with Jomo, the tools are here.
So, take a deep breath, pick your starting point, and start building the Twitter experience you deserve—one positive tweet, one conscious scroll, one detox session at a time.
✋ Illustrations by Jomo ; Photography Unsplash
Made with love in Brittany