What a Week Without Social Media Feels Like — As Told by People in Manitoba
After a province-wide internet disruption cut off social media access, Manitobans found themselves reevaluating connection, productivity, and mental health.
When the Feed Stops Scrolling: Inside Manitoba’s Week Without Social Media
What Happened: A Silence Across the Screens
Last week, an unexpected cyber infrastructure failure left much of Manitoba without access to major social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. For nearly seven days, timelines stood still — no selfies, no viral dances, no breaking news in bite-sized reels. And for many, the stillness brought clarity.
Residents described the digital blackout as “jarring but peaceful,” a sentiment that reveals just how entwined — and intrusive — social media has become in daily life.
The Background: Digital Life Interrupted
The disruption, which began on a Monday morning due to a network hardware malfunction impacting national data routing according to the CRTC, effectively silenced Manitoba’s online voice. While essential services and basic internet access remained intact, users couldn’t access the social platforms that have become lifelines for everything from business marketing to personal expression.
Many turned to traditional news outlets, SMS texting, and even — gasp — phone calls. While some were frustrated, others embraced the break.
“I didn’t realize how much time I spent doomscrolling until I suddenly couldn’t,” said Janelle Harding, a Winnipeg-based yoga instructor. “By day three, I felt calmer, more present.”
What Experts Say: More Than a Momentary Pause
Dr. Marla Weston, a clinical psychologist at the University of Manitoba, says the experience offers a rare real-time case study of digital dependence.
“We’re not just talking about entertainment here — for many people, social media is tied to identity, social validation, and even income,” Weston explains. “Removing it suddenly creates both anxiety and space for reflection.”
And reflect Manitobans did.
- Small business owners shifted back to email marketing.
- Teens reportedly spent more time outdoors or engaging in group hangouts.
- Mental health professionals noted a temporary decline in social comparison-related stress.
In a province where over 90% of adults use at least one social media app daily, the shift was seismic.
Beyond the Blackout: A Glimpse into a Rebalanced Life
As platforms gradually came back online, something unexpected lingered — perspective.
For many, the silence revealed not just how much they missed being “plugged in,” but also how exhausted they were by constant digital noise.
“I had dinner with my kids without anyone scrolling. That was the moment,” said Ravi Menon, a father of three in Brandon. “Now we’ve made phones-off dinners a new rule.”
There’s also a deeper social takeaway. In rural communities where connection already feels fragile, social media offers more than likes — it’s belonging. When it disappears, so does a sense of community. Yet the disruption revealed new ways to nurture that sense offline.
Looking for ideas? Our recent article, “The 5 Habits of Canadians Who Age Gracefully and Joyfully”, explores how to stay grounded in an overly digital world.
What’s Next: Can We Rewire Our Relationship with Social Media?
While no one’s suggesting a permanent break, the Manitoba blackout forced an uncomfortable question: What role should social media play in our lives — and who’s in control?
Telecom providers and digital policy advocates are now calling for improved infrastructure resiliency and clearer user education around digital overreliance. A report by the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) shows 41% of Canadians worry about internet reliability during emergencies.
As Manitobans reconnect and reengage, many are doing so with new boundaries — turning off notifications, deleting apps, or scheduling screen-free weekends.
A Changed Province, One Post at a Time
This week-long outage didn’t just pause Manitoba’s digital chatter — it sparked a quiet revolution.
From the Prairies to the Peg, people reevaluated what matters most: connection, presence, and control over their time. The platforms may be back, but many residents aren’t scrolling with the same abandon.
As Janelle Harding puts it, “I’m back on Instagram — but now I’m choosing when to scroll, not just doing it on autopilot.”
Image Alt Text: Woman sitting peacefully at a rural café in Manitoba, sipping coffee with her phone turned face-down beside her.
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