TIME TO REFUSE
Join the moment of mass deletion: October 10 2025
NYC DELETE DAY
We’ve been called
The Anxious Generation.
Since the introduction of social media at crucial developmental ages, to lockdowns that enforced the alienating use of digital workspace platforms, we have been raised in a world hellbent on maximizing online engagement. This convenience has cost us a commodified existence. We knew nothing else but to hand over our lives to tech companies. We have given up our creativity, privacy, and our humility. They manipulated our childhoods, but we’re here to reclaim our future.
It’s time to refuse.
To refuse being controlled.
To refuse anything less than our full humanity.
To choose a life we elect, not one imposed on us.
It’s time for us to build back our communities like never before.
AT 7PM SHARP, WE WILL COLLECTIVELY DELETE ONE ACCOUNT. WHICH WILL YOU REFUSE?
SIGN THE PROMISE TO YOURSELF - AND RECLAIM OWNERSHIP OF YOUR LIFE.
NYC Delete Day
No formal RSVP. You can sign our pledge here, or just show up to Tompkins. We promise we'll be there! ;)
Delete Day is the time for you to delete an unwanted account of your choosing in solidarity with others. This is a chance to try life without that social media app, streaming service, or messaging platform that you want to break up with.
We'll start with a motivational opening from guest speakers, enter into a group countdown, and practice our very first Delete Ritual. The second half of the event is an energizing phone-free party for participants to celebrate their newfound freedom.
ALL are welcome—the delete-ready, the delete-curious, and ANYONE who wants to share in the collective joy of free attention out in the public square.
Join the Movement
Sign the promise to yourself and reclaim ownership of your life.
FAQ
What are we deleting?
“Social media” can be hard to define. The focus here is on digital communication platforms that are made to be addicting and all-consuming. We invite you to exit any attention-economy product that you have an unhealthy relationship with—one that you use too often, that doesn't serve you, etc. Participants so far will be deleting Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Spotify, and so forth …
Our interest is in a world full of new social habits—this movement is pro-community above all else.
Whom is this event for?
YOU! We're all in this together; everyone stands to benefit from offloading an old, dull tool and making room for something new in their lives.
What's expected of you?
Just your presence. Show up to the park between 6 and 7 p.m., and we will ease in with some group activities.
Then, our facilitation team will guide you through account deletion when the time comes—so bring a phone for that portion, and then look forward to some nice IRL time together.
If you're looking for more help, check out our full Time to Refuse Guide. We also recommend looking into how to delete a particular account ahead of time—these companies do NOT make it easy!
BUT WAIT! What about …
Staying entertained?
Social media use arranges our immediate desires towards a certain type of entertainment. But when you step away, you see how much more is out there.
Work or study groups?
It might prove better to connect with colleagues in a medium that is not so trapping.
That one friend I still use the platform to talk to?
Real ones will always find another way. We are PRO weekly meetups and weekly phone calls.
Keeping my account for archival purposes?
We don't deny that Instagram is a really convenient time capsule of your younger self. But it IS possible to save your data and arrange it elsewhere, should you decide to do so.
Falling behind on news or trends?
The goal here is not to cut yourself off from our modern culture entirely—it's actually about gaining more control over when and where you engage or indulge.
—And remember, no matter your concern, you're not alone in this anymore! The more we embrace uncertainty together, the more creative—and confident—we'll become.
Delete Day is just one step on a journey of “re-tooling” our lives. Read about the appstinence philosophy here.