{
  "id": 10398114,
  "title": "Could you give up social media?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/could-you-give-up-social-media",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-28T08:10:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euro Weekly News",
    "slug": "euro-weekly-news",
    "url": "https://euroweeklynews.com/2026/09/28/could-you-give-up-social-media/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Could you give up social media? That is the question posed to our readers, and their answers reveal just how deeply ingrained these platforms have become in modern life. While some respondents indicated they would gladly part ways with social media, others argued that doing so would mean losing a crucial means of staying connected, both personally and practically.\n\nCara Owens, for instance, explained that she might consider a break from social media, but it is not merely for entertainment. She utilizes it for her job and to maintain connections with family and friends, so quitting would have a noticeable impact on both her professional and personal life. Angela Bates shared a similar sentiment, emphasizing that for families scattered across different countries, social media serves as the primary means of sharing photos and staying involved in each other's lives.\n\nNoah Woods highlighted the practical benefits of Facebook, particularly during their move to Spain. He and his wife relied on the platform to connect with local people through Facebook groups, keep abreast of events and festivities, and discover favorite bars and restaurants. Messenger, in particular, proved to be quicker than sending postcards, making communication more efficient.\n\nHowever, others found the idea of giving up social media quite appealing. Adam Woodward said, \"Happily! It would be wonderful!\" He lamented that without Facebook, he would struggle to remember people's birthdays, emphasizing the importance of the platform in maintaining social connections. Ralph Freeman took a nostalgic view, stating, \"Never had social-media in my day. A good old-fashioned newspaper and a chat around the water-cooler was all we needed. People were happier back then, all.\" Colin Wheeler, whose social-media detox is somewhat involuntary due to \"Community Standards,\" offered a different perspective on the matter.\n\nUltimately, most people expressed that completely giving up social media would be challenging. Whether it is used to keep up with family, find local information, remember birthdays, or simply stay connected, these platforms have become integral to how many people communicate today. The question may no longer be whether we can live without social media, but how much we would miss it if we did.",
  "summary": "Could you give up social media? We asked our readers, and the responses showed just how much these platforms have […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Social media deeply ingrained in modern life, crucial for personal and professional connections",
    "Social media used for work, family communication, and discovering local information",
    "Complete abandonment of social media challenging, essential for maintaining connections"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}