I believe in you, Amy. We dropped our Prime Membership about two years ago and never looked back. Our kids were bummed temporarily about a few missing TV shows, but they got over it. Another move you could make is to completely empty your "wallet" over there. Any credit cards they have on file, delete them. This makes an impulse buy 1 more step less convenient, and it prevents them from sneakily charging you for some upgraded service you accidentally brushed your knuckle over while listening to music you purchased. I hate that shit.
I recently started a new blank slate, non-Prime Amazon account strictly for author activity - buying my friend's books, leaving reviews, etc. But I hit a snag when I had to purchase $50 worth of merchandise before they'd ALLOW me to review a friend's book. Thankfully, I had a few more books to purchase and was able to meet the threshold, but not before I spent an hour scrolling through images of curtains for my new office space and literally wanting to vomit from the sheer oversaturation of junk products. It's way too much.
And you're right about Instagram. I go there to laugh mostly and find that I do, but not without dodging ad after ad prodding viciously at my vulnerabilities around the topics of A) anxiety/depression and B) aging like a human being. I just want to look at cats, dogs and lumpy dads doing their best. Why can't we have nice things?
I applaud your decision and have complete faith that you can do this. 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼
My wife and I quit for years without issue. We were never hugely entrenched in the ecosystem, but just a few weeks after canceling Prime we didn't even notice. Home Depot, Best Buy, Target, and the various grocery stores (all also villains, BTW) have everything you need and more, not to mention your local shops, where you can find that elusive human connection you're seeking.
Ironically, after a similar 5-6-year embargo we rejoined Prime this year, mostly for the television content. We've certainly bought more from Amazon as a result, but not as much as you'd think. I still prefer to procure my goods at Costco, in person, and generally I find Amazon to be pretty fucking useless, given its rampant enshittification.
You've inspired me. I think we'll cancel again. :-)
Best of luck to you. I "quit" facebook a few months ago. I didn't delete my account. I go back once every few weeks and spend maybe 15 minutes. When I go back, I'm astounded anyone uses it, anymore. The feed never shows you what you want to see. It's worse than worthless, it's actively irritating to use.
I believe in you, Amy. We dropped our Prime Membership about two years ago and never looked back. Our kids were bummed temporarily about a few missing TV shows, but they got over it. Another move you could make is to completely empty your "wallet" over there. Any credit cards they have on file, delete them. This makes an impulse buy 1 more step less convenient, and it prevents them from sneakily charging you for some upgraded service you accidentally brushed your knuckle over while listening to music you purchased. I hate that shit.
I recently started a new blank slate, non-Prime Amazon account strictly for author activity - buying my friend's books, leaving reviews, etc. But I hit a snag when I had to purchase $50 worth of merchandise before they'd ALLOW me to review a friend's book. Thankfully, I had a few more books to purchase and was able to meet the threshold, but not before I spent an hour scrolling through images of curtains for my new office space and literally wanting to vomit from the sheer oversaturation of junk products. It's way too much.
And you're right about Instagram. I go there to laugh mostly and find that I do, but not without dodging ad after ad prodding viciously at my vulnerabilities around the topics of A) anxiety/depression and B) aging like a human being. I just want to look at cats, dogs and lumpy dads doing their best. Why can't we have nice things?
I applaud your decision and have complete faith that you can do this. 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼
You can do it, Amy!
My wife and I quit for years without issue. We were never hugely entrenched in the ecosystem, but just a few weeks after canceling Prime we didn't even notice. Home Depot, Best Buy, Target, and the various grocery stores (all also villains, BTW) have everything you need and more, not to mention your local shops, where you can find that elusive human connection you're seeking.
Ironically, after a similar 5-6-year embargo we rejoined Prime this year, mostly for the television content. We've certainly bought more from Amazon as a result, but not as much as you'd think. I still prefer to procure my goods at Costco, in person, and generally I find Amazon to be pretty fucking useless, given its rampant enshittification.
You've inspired me. I think we'll cancel again. :-)
Happy holidays!
Best of luck to you. I "quit" facebook a few months ago. I didn't delete my account. I go back once every few weeks and spend maybe 15 minutes. When I go back, I'm astounded anyone uses it, anymore. The feed never shows you what you want to see. It's worse than worthless, it's actively irritating to use.