There are countless articles out there about how awful social media is for your health. I agree, that it can be devastating to your mental health. It was for me for a while as well. I had to change how I used social media to live my real life.
I’m all about connecting with folks from every corner of the globe, sharing life’s quirks, and maybe picking up some travel tips from someone halfway across the world. But, and it’s a big but, I’m no social butterfly in the real world. I like to keep to my small circle of friends and my grandma hobbies (crocheting right now).
Now, let’s get real. Who cares about the numbers game? Likes, follows, reposts — a bit like calorie counting, right? It’s nice to see those numbers climb, but who’s got the time to sift through the sea of accounts just angling for a follow back or pushing some sketchy sale? I don’t pay any mind to the engagement. It’s all about quality over quantity for me.
Enter Instagram, my virtual photo album. Okay, maybe not an album, more like a scattered assortment of memories that I throw on there whenever the spirit moves me. And you know what? That’s okay! Who needs the stress of a meticulously curated feed? My life isn’t perfectly curated why should I pretend online that it is? I’m only human.
Posting? Pfft, no big deal. There are only a couple of times a year when I feel the urge to flood your feed — holidays and, of course, the grand celebration of me, myself, and I on my birthday. Otherwise, you’ll catch snippets of my life on my story, the real-time, unfiltered saga of whatever randomness I’m up to.
Let’s talk about that magical block button — rated E for everyone! There’s this unspoken rule that says we should keep our online spaces open to everyone, but you know what? It’s your space, and you have every right to curate it. If an account or a person is bringing more negativity than good vibes, don’t hesitate to hit that block button. It’s not about building walls; it’s about creating a space that reflects you and makes you feel good. So, let’s lift the guilt, toss it out the virtual window, and revel in the power of saying, “You know what? This isn’t my vibe.” Your online world, your rules. I block celebrities and anyone over 8 million followers on TikTok, people who post weird comments on Facebook, and sketchy looking accounts on Instagram without a second thought. It’s helped me become a little more positive and hidden the doom to avoid doomscrolling.
So, whether you’re a social media aficionado or just scrolling through the cute cat videos, remember: it’s your space, your rules. Embrace the fun, forget the numbers, and, most importantly, post when it feels right. Social media should be a celebration of you, not a chore.