I quit social media for 4 months. here's what I learned. 

Nathan Zed is the Frank Ocean of RU-vid. Welcome back man

Who was here when his username was "thethirdpew"? You the real ones... I demand a revision!

What a brilliant video. So much for me to think about. In the time I've been away from social media, the biggest thing has been the pleasure of "when you're somewhere and you don't have to share it." Congratulations on your forthcoming graduation, Nathan, and thanks as always for the excellent video. -John

our generation is definitely not comfortable with being alone. we’re constant filling up our time with friends and social media. at the end of the day, you’re the only one you have.

I loved this video man.

I checked my screen time and I spend on average 9 HOURS A DAY on my phone . That’s longer than I sleep. It’s time for a break for me too lmao

Bro put this boy on grown-ish

I quit social media and I find myself happier. I’m on no fap, no alcohol, and a plant based diet and it was the best decision I ever made in my life

greatest anime crossover. nathan zed & youtube

He protec He attac But most importantly, he is bac.

"Getting tired of putting God on the back burner." "I like sitting with myself now." Thank you for this video, all of it. Hearing that you did the same thing I've been committing to for 6 months just reinforces that none of us are alone in this race.

Imma hop off of social media now.. literally thinking the other day, the time I spend scrolling on a virtual world I could be accessing God in the spiritual realm. Always about surrendering your will for His. Thanks

Mac miller in the beginning :( damn the feels man

To be completely honest I’m so glad you’re back. As a black teenager especially with my personality it was hard to find content creators I could relate to. You really showed me that I wasn’t the only one like this and inspire me to be a better content creator.

went through a breakup while studying abroad and deleted social media until i got back to the states and it was the best month

Love this video! "I'm just gonna trust God more than I trust any algorithm" wow I felt that in my soul, such a powerful sentence! thanks for always sharing your thoughts with us Nathan!

I love my annual nathan zed video!

He emerges from his cave, to teach us a lesson we'll never forget.

The only RU-vidr who can disappear and come back with VIEWS! Great video!

The phrase "this memory is just for me??!?!?!" just made me laugh, then cry, then smile 'cause DAMN

Welcome back ✊🏾 Took one too and it was the best few months. Don’t use it as much as I used to. What you said about your shirts is soooo relatable!!! It’s fckn hard to balance your vision while being aware of WHO is watching / wearing, it’s crazy. And fckn PREACH about the “falling off” mentality. 😭😭😭 Anyway, you’re still one of the best to ever do this. Glad to see you’re in a good space. Good luck this year!!!!

sometimes i wonder what Nathan 4 years ago would think of him now, lmao

Bro, I’ve been looking for months for a camera that doesn’t auto-focus. If you see this, PLEASE, my dude: let me know what camera you got, lol. Good to see you back.

I love what you said about letting God take control and not stressing. That’s something I’ve been working on this year as well. Glad you’re doing better!

😯😯😯 getting that notification that Nathan Zed uploaded

"Tired of things controlling me" Woo. So glad I decided to look up your channel randomly at 12 A.M

I find myself wondering what it was even like back when I didn’t have a smartphone, a Facebook, instagram, Twitter, tumblr, etc. I worry that I’ll miss out on something big or important if I go offline, but maybe that’s not a bad thing...

You were going through a spiritual awakening my love😊

missed u x

I just thought you were on your normal upload schedule

*"I'm just gonna trust God more than I trust any algorithm."* Now THAT is a sentence that really makes me reconsider my outlook. Because of Jesus' death on the cross for our sins, and because God is good and merciful, we are all Good Enough! Let me say that again for the people in the back; WE ARE ALL GOOD ENOUGH FOR GOD. We don't have to be perfect, just progressing/being willing to try to change for the better. I look forward to sticking around for the next months to enjoy your next video!

09:30 😂😂💀Felt that one! 😂😂😂 Happy to see you healthy! Can't wait for the next leap year for your next video!!

You are a LIGHT. So glad you’re back.

Dwight glasses...and I was just watching The Office...Nathan is still being psychic and he didn’t even post a “leave it in 2018”

Man, it's really good to see how its impacted your life and priorities. Happiness and self love really comes first. Keep doing your thing man

I was going through a very rough time. I'm in medical school and was struggling a lot with managing that along with my life. I have anxiety so it's a lot harder for me to do a lot of things. It would get me so upset to see what everyone was doing on social media while I was studying my ass off and feeling useless. My classmates would be chilling and I'd be like... Howwww. I would beat myself up for getting nervous and backing out of things. I realized that I should stop comparing myself and just be myself. Deleted my snapchat and just checked my texts for important stuff. It is honestly so much better. I don't feel bad anymore. 10/10 recommend

"I'm just gonna trust God more than I trust any algorithm." Bless. I needed that, dude. Thats the energy I want in 2019.

I LOVE what you said about learning to love being alone without feeling lonely

I love how you put God in the center of your experience. Stay blessed 🙏🏾🙏🏾 I hit the red button for that reason 🙂

6:08 - Thanks for not avoiding talking about your relationship with God. Maybe it is because of which voices I choose to listen to, but I hardly ever hear that from internet people.

I always wanted to take a social media hiatus but social media is my crack

yo god bless you man. I’ve been a long time subscriber but haven’t seen a ton of your videos, but you’re super inspirational. Hope 2019 goes well for you

I love how you talked about how you slipped up but kept going because you weren’t aiming to be perfect, and that God sees that you’re just trying your best. I’ve been doing something similar recently myself, because I realized how receiving less likes on IG than what I wanted was controlling me and my self worth. And also that I didn’t want someone to think less of themselves if they got less likes on a picture - I didn’t wanna contribute to that anymore. With all that being said I am ,however, still on RU-vid. Did you also abstain from WATCHING videos during your social media break? And also did your friends still text you memes? Lol

6:24 dude that resonated with me so hard. I've found myself slipping into that behaviour recently, only really using God as a kind of "tag-in tag-out" buddy. The ending of this really made me re-think my approach to my relationship with God. Chears man.

9:30 a little hurt that you’re selfishly hoarding memories that could be PRECIOUS CONTENT FOR US TO CONSUME jk, keep being excellent, 💖💗💖

here since like 3k subscribers. the growth of this MAN seeing him turn from a boy to a grown ass man is amazing. one of my first youtube crushes btw too. although your content is rare it’s more like a quality over quantity type thing.

I quit Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, and Tiktok like a month ago. It really made me feel happy, and I've experienced so many things. Quitting social media is making me realize there are so many fun things you can do outside, and definitely not sitting down and swiping till your fingers hurt. It was the greatest experience I've ever had. Anyway man. Look on the bright side. Try to focus on the people who love you.

there's literally no one else I'd rather watch. as a college student who's also trying to figure shit out, just hearing about what you're doing -- no lecture, no big moral preaching, just hearing about your journey with media & life & God -- is exactly what I needed. i'm moving toward getting off youtube completely bc i'm sick of being talked down to by creators, but as always you hit the spot man.

H E B A C C ! Real talk: happy you're back and sober for a year. No pressure to upload. Do whatever you want.

im so proud of u nathan

I've never seen a RU-vidr so open before, this guy is quickly becoming my favorite.

bro, I don't think you realize how relatable his video was. Like its often hard to find people genuinely talk about their relationship with God on their channel casually. I have mad respect for this video and took everything you said into consideration especially when it comes to being controlled by social norms. Keep doing youuuuu

do you ever check how much time is left in Nathan’s videos and get a little excited because you got more time left than you thought

I see you using the Arthur sound effect @ 2:23, and you know what, I appreciate that

“The future is every second! ...ah! ..aH! ....AH” I cackled

I remember coming across this channel maybe 4-5years or so ago and finding myself loving Nathan's content. Don't even worry about how often you upload. You're still one of my favourite creators to this day. It's like catching up with a good friend once in awhile

You are the man

The part of this video about “letting go and letting god” was oddly one of the most helpful parts for me, even though I’m not religious. Just the idea of letting go and letting the universe take control and trusting that everything will turn out okay is really nice. Regardless of what your religious beliefs are, I think that taking a step back to allow god, a higher being, the universe, etc. take control for a bit and to reevaluate your goals is beneficial to everyone sometimes. Also, you’ve totally inspired me to finally do what I keep telling myself I could and delete all the social media apps that eat up all my time. I know you don’t necessarily intend on all of your videos being inspirational or anything, but they have always had a way of pushing me to better myself or calling me out for toxic thinking. Thank you! You may not make a lot of videos but I honestly think that that’s why they’re so good. If you made weekly videos they wouldn’t be so well thought out or substantial, so keep doing you and I look forward to whatever you do next.

I told a couple of people close to me that I was going to quit social media for a time to help my mental health, but I didn't do it. Watching your video reminded me that this is something that I definitely need to do for myself.

"Approapriating squint culture" that one made me laugh so hard that I had to pause the video.

THE INTERNET HAS BEEN SO DRY WITHOUT YOU BB

Man. I have been watching you for about 5 years?! And every time you make a video it kind of hits somewhere important for me. There are other youtubers I watch but something about your honesty and your personality just feel so much more truthful and accessible. Well done for doing what’s best for your brain, it’s so hard to sometimes. You’re really appreciated.

“I’m tired of things controlling me”...bro truer words have never been spoken

Ugh! Freaking love you! Freaking glad your break was transformative! Here’s your reminder to not let this or other posts send your heart back on the roller coaster Mac was referring to. But I also just want you to be encouraged in knowing that it’s meaningful: the quality content you create, the vulnerability, the inherent beckoning for us to hold ourselves accountable to ourselves to continually progress mentally/spiritually. For at least one of your subscribers, it’s meaningful. :)

The king has returned 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

Maybe deleting my social medias will force me to actually have hobbies

I agreed with EVERYTHING about God. I'm trying to have a better relationship with Him myself.

“I don’t want anyone’s words to take away or add to me” loved that part

Loved this video! See you in 9 months.

*NEVER CLICKED SO FAST IN MY LIFE*

Love u Nathan. Just wanted to let u know that sometimes people comment on your videos/posts not necessarily to boost you they just wanna let u know how they felt. Maybe when you read a positive comment you can look at it that way, it’s more about that person. Idk if that makes sense lol but on my social media that’s what I do, If someone leaves comment about how something I made impacted them instead of feeling happy and getting my ego boosted I try to imagine that person and know it was about them less than it was about me. Humbles me real quick lol hopefully it makes sense

i think it’s so important to see messages like this. some of the stuff that’s spread around is so negative and we’ve conditioned ourselves to reading and looking at these negative things almost everyday! it’s refreshing to hear something positive and encouraging. Gods working in u man

So honest, so necessary. Can't thank you enough for this.

I’m pretty sure I am addicted to my phone and social media and this video made me think more about how social media is connected with my mental health and that I seriously need a break. I’m so happy that you’re back making on videos yt I really missed your content! I can’t wait to see what you create in the future! ✨ (whether that be another 9 months or whatever)

Watching you makes me smile. You’re just so real and I love it

I always come back to this video because it always gives me perspective on whatever is going on in my life at that moment in time, and this was the first time I read what was in the description bro that quote damn near brought me to tears

"Imma just trust God instead of any algorithm" Im going to try quoting this

First, welcome back Nathan. The months of wait is worth it. Second, this video resonates with me so much. I’ve stopped using Twitter, IG and SnapCat since New Years. It’s so refreshing for the mind. During the first week, i was had the urge to check the apps but didn’t have it. Overall, productivity and happiness increased. I’m experiencing enjoyment of being alone. I recommend everyone does this bc it’s the best feeling.

I watched this video in January when it first came out, 2 weeks into a 3 week social media cleanse/fast. I remember watching and I could just feel that this is something that God is present in. Whether its the video, my life, or Nathan's, I'm not completely sure, but I just remember feeling so surrounded by this sense of peace. I'm coming back to this video now in the same situation as before to see if it still resonates the same, and boy it does. Learning to trust God is something that I have been working on for such a long time and to hear you talk about it in such an open way is something that I respect you so much for. This video means so much to me, thank you

i respect you so much for this. its really inspiring.

I hope this pays your rent. Missed you man.

“ why/ how ...who??” 😂😂

PREACH, MY MAN. So happy for you. Hoping your 2019 is full of blessings and success.

love this!! thank you so much for making this video.

i actually never really forgot about you, lol. every once in a while i'd just be chillin and one of your jokes would pop into my head and i would laugh out loud. so, thanks for that.

We are proud of you, we love you, and we’ll always be here, the real ones will always support you. Much Love Bro it’s good to see you alive and well.

i couldnt click fast enough. You are definitely one of my top favourites on YT. Proud of you and your journey, God is too good all the time. Thanks for taking time for yourself and for the one who truly matters. You bout to reap 10 fold man!

I literally went through the same battle with God over my future this past summer. I realized like you did that I had no other choice but to surrender it all to him. I got baptized before I went to uni but since then I've fallen off the bandwagon a few times. This video has really encouraged me that it's okay to fall off sometimes and that it's okay not to be perfect all the time. Your videos truly are a blessing, you truly are a blessing. Wishing you a happy, prosperous, healthy 2019 b

THE KING IS BACK

You have been a role model of mine for years now and it has been nice to see you grow as a person as I do the same. I recently deleted social media as well because I felt I didn't own my own thoughts. I am retraining my brain to stop comparing myself to my peers and to stop and seeking validation. May I also say, it is so refreshing to hear a person my age talk about their relationship to God in a down to earth and honest way. Being a young Christian is often isolating and you have renewed my desire to draw closer to God. Thanks for all that you do:)

Dude I love this guy, Christian, funny and inspirational as all get out. Respect!

after a mental health episode where i had shut off from any social media i found it difficult to get back in, at first i felt socially isolated and the huge amount of free time i suddenly had felt like a burden, but i've realized recently how much of a blessing this free time is. i can't say i've been the most productive but instead of spending hours on intsagram or tumblr i've been taking care of myself, i've started walking and reading more and thats ultimately more valuable than anything social media could give me. i'm honestly so happy you've experienced this too, a common reaction i get is a non-serious "oh i should do that its so healthy" and it's wonderful to hear that you've taken the initiative to do it yourself and are trying to inspire others to do so as well.

i've had the habit of deleting all the apps for months at a time for years now. a post on facebook pushed me into the abyss of a depressive episode when i was already kind of depressed earlier today. it's been a couple of months since my social media habits have become bad again but i've been putting deleting the apps off. this video was the reminder i needed. thank you nathan

We missed you 💕♥️

Oh my gosh I'm so so happy you are open about your faith, it's so inspiring for me! One of my favourite youtubers as well! This really made my day :)

This really resonates with me, and I’ve been thinking about deleting social media for a while now but never pushed myself to actually do it. This video makes me feel like I can actually try it out (even for just a week! Small steps) Thanks Nathan :)

ok I don’t want to sound like suck up, but dude you’ve inspired me for 5 years now. I’ve recently been though some tough times and had to finally develop some self care skills. You truly inspire me to truly take care of myself. Everything you said in this video is things I want to accomplish, such as a solid relationship with God. I’m so thankful that you share your story because I really relate to it. Have a good day

My KING

Dude! So glad to hear that you're doing so well, and I appreciate how real you always are about where you're at in your life and what you're working through and your relationship with God. Your honesty and genuineness is brave and we need more role models out there who are willing to talk about real stuff. Keep it up! I'm praying for you.

oh how i have enjoyed seeing you grow over the past years. thank you for sharing your growth with us