Abby Howard Shares Insights on her Decision to Delete TikTok as a Mum
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Abby Howard, a popular creator on TikTok alongside her husband, Matt Howard, recently disclosed her reasons for deleting the app as a mother. Known for their entertaining videos on married life and parenthood, the couple has amassed a following of over 5.3 million on the platform. Their content, ranging from humorous skits to sincere reflections, resonates with many fans. Additionally, they host the Unplanned Podcast where they delve into relevant topics and engage with other influencers.
The Howards, both aged 26, have been navigating the challenges and criticisms that often accompany online fame while tending to their young sons, Griffin, 2, and August, 1. Abby made the pivotal decision to remove TikTok from her phone over a year ago due to the negative impact it was having on her well-being. Despite social media being a significant source of income for the couple, Abby stands by her choice, emphasising the positive changes it brought to her life.
In an exclusive essay for PEOPLE, Abby delved into how her social media consumption was affecting her personal growth and parenting. She highlighted the harmful content and comments she encountered on the platform, which ultimately led to her departure. Abby admitted that mindless scrolling on TikTok was not only unproductive but also made her feel worse emotionally. She realised that her screen time was detracting from her ability to be fully present with her children.
Deleting TikTok was a deliberate move to reclaim her time and prioritise her role as a mother. Abby acknowledged that her kids witnessing her constant phone use was not the example she wanted to set. By eliminating the app, she found herself more engaged in meaningful activities with her sons, ensuring that their moments together were enriching and memorable. Despite initial concerns about the impact on their content creation, Abby’s decision was well-supported by her husband and allowed her to focus on quality interactions with her online community.
Creating content without direct access to TikTok posed its challenges, but Abby found ways to collaborate with her team effectively. By conceptualising and filming videos independently, she entrusted the editing and posting tasks to her employees. This shift in her approach not only gave her more control over her time but also enabled her to maintain a balance between work and family life. Abby expressed gratitude for the support she received from her team and her husband throughout this transition.
Reflecting on her journey post-TikTok deletion, Abby acknowledged the broader impact of social media on individuals and society. While recognising the positive aspects of platforms like TikTok, she also highlighted the darker side of online interactions. Abby stressed the need for users to take responsibility for their actions and attitudes online, aiming to foster a more supportive and empathetic virtual environment.
In conclusion, Abby’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of mindful technology use and setting boundaries to protect one’s well-being. By prioritising her role as a mother and self-care, she embarked on a journey of personal growth and reconnection with her family. Abby’s candid account sheds light on the complexities of social media fame and the inherent challenges it poses, offering valuable insights for influencers and parents alike.