For the month of March, each day I am writing and posting a slice of my life, hosted by Two Writing Teachers.
March Slice of Life Challenge Day 31:
Social Media Detox
I think my friend is on to something. I want to enjoy living my life. I want to be more present.
Social Media Detox
"I've felt so good being off Facebook," one of my friends recently confessed as we chatted over coffee. Although she did not delete her social media account, she stopped getting notifications and checking Facebook.
As she shared this, my guilt surfaced. I was nearly late to meet her for coffee. Not because of slow traffic or in result of a conversation with one of my children. I had been mindlessly scrolling on Facebook and was late in getting ready.
As she shared this, my guilt surfaced. I was nearly late to meet her for coffee. Not because of slow traffic or in result of a conversation with one of my children. I had been mindlessly scrolling on Facebook and was late in getting ready.
"We went to Titletown Park as a family, and I actually enjoyed the experience instead of thinking about the pictures I wanted to snap so I could post on Facebook," She continued, "I have actually felt happier and not as stressed out. It has even freed up time for me."
Oh, that would be nice. Less stress. Feeling happier. More time.
"You should try it."
I nodded, seriously considering this.
Oh, that would be nice. Less stress. Feeling happier. More time.
"You should try it."
I nodded, seriously considering this.
This conversation has been nagging at me for the last few days - taking a hiatus from social media for an extended period of time. Truthfully, it's often hard for me to see colleagues or friends constantly posting photos of fantastic trips or adventures - something that is currently out of reach for our family. And there is that uncomfortable fear of missing out (FOMO) if I am not constantly connected. Keeping up with social media takes a lot of time from important that I could be doing instead, like being with my family or writing or reading. And so much is curated on social media - selecting the best shots when everyone is smiling and seems happy. It's often a fantasy that doesn't reflect real life for many people. Yes, it is fun to see photos of distant family and friends, but I know that social media often makes me hold unrealistic comparisons of my life to someone else's, even though I know that what is posted is only one part of that person's life.
I think my friend is on to something. I want to enjoy living my life. I want to be more present.
For April, I think that I am going to significantly limit (or maybe completely detox?!) social media for the month and see what happens. Anyone want to join me?
The less time I spend on social media, the happier and more productive I am too. I want to think about how I can continue to be more mindful about the choices I make with my attention and my time.
ReplyDeleteYou know, this has been on my mind, too. I may join you for April. Must consider how to make this work since social media is also a significant connector for me.
ReplyDeleteI would agree, striking a balance is nearly impossible some times. I have turned off notifications and removed certain apps from my home screen. That helps slow me down to make sure I am fully committed to what I am about to do.
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Trina, and while Twitter is my platform of choice, I feel a similar need to draw back for a time. Thanks for these thoughts and for your presence this month. Be well.
ReplyDeleteI detoxed from FB in December and have kept my use of it down, but it did creep up in March w/ blogging and my trip during spring break. Sometimes blogging has the same effect in me as does FB. Lately, Twitter has bothered me more than FB. There seems to be so much professional jockeying for pisition. Who has the time?
ReplyDelete