YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED.

A few practical things to know before you take a break from the feed.

What is 7 Days Offline?

7 Days Offline is an independent awareness project inviting people to take a voluntary, seven-day break from social media feeds. Our shared week takes place every year from March 1–7. The next edition is March 1–7, 2027.

The idea is to make room for other activities and notice how you want to use social media in your everyday life.

Do I have to wait until March?

No. You can try the seven-day plan whenever it suits you. March 1–7 is our shared annual week, but you are welcome to start today, choose another week or begin with a smaller change.

Does “offline” mean switching off my phone?

No. You can keep using your phone for calls, direct messages, maps, transport, music, banking and other practical needs.

The invitation is to pause social media feeds, Reels, Stories, posting and habitual checking. Choose boundaries that work for your circumstances.

Which apps should I take a break from?

Focus on the features that draw you into scrolling or repeated checking. That might include Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X, Reddit, YouTube Shorts or other feeds.

You do not need to avoid every feature of every app. For example, you might keep direct messages while taking a break from the feed.

What if I need social media for work or study?

Keep the access you need. Before you begin, decide which activities are necessary and which you want to pause.

You could use an app for a specific task, finish that task and close it. Your break can fit around work, study, caring responsibilities and accessibility needs.

How can I prepare?

Choose your dates and decide what you will pause. Tell people how to reach you, turn off non-essential notifications and consider removing app shortcuts or logging out.

Pick a few things you would like to make time for. You can also save or print the seven-day plan so you have it nearby.

Is it free? Do I need to register?

Taking part is free. There is no registration, email sign-up or account to create on this website.

You can read and use the plan without joining our Facebook group or following our Instagram account.

What if I open an app or start scrolling?

You can stop and continue your break. There is no score, no proof of participation and no need to restart the whole week.

Notice what prompted you to open the app and consider whether a small adjustment would help next time.

Do I have to complete all seven daily prompts?

No. The prompts are optional ideas, not tasks or a test. You can follow them in order, adapt them or choose the ones that feel useful.

Why do you have Facebook and Instagram accounts?

We use them to help people discover the project, prepare for the shared week and exchange reflections afterwards.

We pause our own posts, Stories and reminders during March 1–7. You do not need to check either platform during the break. Necessary community moderation may still take place.

Do I need to post about taking part?

No. Your participation can be completely private.

If you want to share your experience, you are welcome to do so before the break or afterwards. There are no daily check-ins.

Which time zone should I follow?

Follow your own local time: begin on March 1 and continue through March 7. If you choose to return to social media, do so from March 8.

If you take part at another time of year, choose seven days that suit you.

Is this a treatment for social media addiction?

No. 7 Days Offline offers general information and practical ideas for exploring digital habits. It is not a treatment, a diagnostic tool or a substitute for professional support, and it does not promise a particular result.

If your social media use is causing distress or affecting daily life, our Support page explains ways to seek help. Keep access to the people and services you rely on during any break.

What happens after the seven days?

Take a moment to reflect on what you noticed. Which activities did you enjoy? What did you miss? Which habits would you like to change?

You can return to social media, keep some boundaries or continue your break. There is no single required outcome.

Can I take part with friends, family, a school or a workplace?

Yes. You can use the public plan together and adapt the ideas to your group. Participation should remain voluntary, with room for different needs and responsibilities.

For collaboration enquiries or permission to reuse materials beyond the sharing allowed in our Terms, contact info@7daysoffline.com.