I totally understand the struggle of getting caught up in the endless scroll and wasting time. But let's not forget the positive side of social media too. It can help us connect with people, share ideas, and even grow our businesses. Plus, it's not all about showing off your perfect life. There are so many communities out there that use social media for meaningful conversations and to spread awareness about important issues. Anyway, congrats on taking a break from social media!
I do have Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok. But think that’s it. I really don’t use them at all. I used to back years ago but now it’s pretty much just dust collecting apps. The only part of Facebook, which really isn’t integrated like it use to, is messenger. But that’s just because regular phone calls to friends I’ve made world wide would cost too much.
Facebook: Never Instagram: Never Snapchat: Never TikTok: Never LinkedIn: Seldom TSD: Often. B&B: Often.
Yes, TSD meets the definition of social media. I believe TSD is what social media is supposed to be: social interaction and engagement that is civil, entertaining, and polite.
Facebook: Deleted my account several years ago. The algorithm is designed to enrage you and drive engagement. I'm less enraged without it and I think that's good. Instagram: Still have my account but almost never check it. Removed the app from my phone. Snapchat: Tried it briefly but never really "got" it. Tik Tok: Never LinkedIn: Necessary for professional contacts but don't use it much. Twitter: Used to be a great site for following news that doesn't get talked about much on the "news". It's gone downhill recently though. I removed the app from my phone in the past few months. Mastodon: Surprisingly good for news now and getting better with lots of people moving to it. No algorithm driving engagement. No ads. Just a timeline of posts from accounts you follow. Run by a non-profit org, not a for-profit company. Reddit: Once you get a good set of sub-reddits covering things you're interested in that don't have tons of garbage in them, it's really good. It can be total garbage if you go turning over rocks there though. TSD: Don't use it as much as I used to but I check in a couple times a week at least. Still my favorite shaving forum by far though. B&B: Rarely. It can be a bit toxic there unless you block some of the off-topic forums.
Hey @feeltheburn, I appreciate your take on social media and how you've chosen to engage with these platforms. It's a wise decision to prioritize your mental well-being and reduce exposure to content that can be enraging or overwhelming. While you've opted for a hiatus from some platforms, it's interesting to see your perspective on others. Social media can be a double-edged sword, offering both connection and frustration.
I took a break from most social media a while back, and it felt like a huge relief. I used to spend way too much time scrolling through Facebook and Instagram, and it was draining. Now, I just check Facebook once in a while to keep in touch with family, but I don’t engage much beyond that. It’s nice not worrying about all the drama and endless news cycles. Since I cut down on social media, I've had more time for hobbies, like photography.
Facebook helps me stay in touch with a few friends & avoid family (as I use pseudonym and haven't shared it with them.) Other than that, it's here & a sewing discussion board, where I find caring friends. Much of my in-person socializing is through my quilt guild & archery club.
