Who Cares?
No really … who cares if you post on social media. Is it time to deactivate or even delete your accounts?
Maybe I am being controversial by suggesting we come off social media. I’m only saying so because I’m trying to drastically reduce the amount of time I spend scrolling through feeds - some from people I follow, others that just appear, notwithstanding the constant bombardment from advertisers hoping to entice me to buy- buy-buy.
I’ve had enough. I think you may have too.
I guess there’s only two ways to approach this.
Come off all platforms ‘cold turkey’ or
Employ a tactic to reduce usage.
To Deactivate or to Delete?
I decided, way back at the beginning of this month to do a December Digital Detox. Yep, it’s a bit of alliterative click bait and a phrase I now consider decidedly tatty, nevertheless I do consider social media to be ever so slightly toxic and for a whole month I decided to be quite strict with myself.
I deactivated an instagram account I was administering for a group I am no longer a member of. I shied away from deleting it completely as someone else may want to take it on. I hesitated with my other accounts. On my main account I announced my detox intention and have used willpower alone to stay away.
I can’t lie. I have checked it occasionally. Certainly not every day.
The main thing is when I’ve been tempted to scroll through feeds and stories I’ve reminded myself not to. I have slipped up a few times but as quickly as I’ve been drawn into scrolling, I’ve managed to exit the app and put my phone down.
It’s Complicated
The trouble is my other accounts are how people contact me for work. I could contact everyone and provide an email address or other means of getting in touch. But I haven’t. And on another of my accounts I promote my weekly drawing sessions that details upcoming events and sessions which are bookable via the link provided, so there is no question in my mind that I will continue actively using those account.
Messy by Nature
I am a hoarder. Of ideas. Of things. And as it turns out anything relating to social media. I rarely prune my posts. Almost everything I’ve ever posted has remained. Having a tidy, well organised ‘wall’ is not my style. It never will be. And what is it all there for? Honestly? Why is it all still there? For what purpose? For whose benefit? Which brings me back to the title of this piece of writing …
Who Cares?
I’ve wrestled back and forth with this. I’ve clung to the comments I’ve had that someone has found something I’ve said or a pic I’ve shown to be useful - to have meant something to them and vice versa I too have been, at times, deeply affected by or moved by something I’ve seen or read. We’ve all laughed out loud or perhaps shed a tear because of what we’ve witnessed on social media haven’t we? But …
Information, Entertainment or a Waste of Energy
The longer I spend off social media the more I realise how little I care - or should care about what everyone is up to. I don’t mean to disrespect my friends and the many well- meaning people who post to share wisdom and life lessons and raise questions, provide information or simply wish to bring joy, offer support, spread love … but at the end of the day it is not social media connections that will solve our problems or life’s dilemmas.
Should I take the plunge?
I am approaching a decision. To withdraw from social media. Can I? I would be condemning myself to a life of isolation, wouldn’t I? Am I ready to become a hermit? To be all alone in a world that is increasingly led online. I am tempted and I can envisage being disconnected. I have asked myself this question again and again. Do I really need social media? Do you?