Today’s inspiring stories confront an issue we all face: FOMO. Social media thrives on our fear of missing out. Are we just staying connected to our families or have we secretly become addicted?
There are tons of articles and videos that look at both sides of this complicated subject.
First, from The Gospel Coalition, “Why I Left Social Media—and Won’t Go Back,” by Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra. Sarah talks about her reasons for quitting social media. She realized how much social media was stealing from her and how little she was getting in return. She wasn’t really engaged, but merely “lurking.”
In contrast, follow the link in Sarah’s article to Joanna Kimbrel’s “Why I’m Staying on Social Media.” Joanna believes the opportunity for growth and to share her beliefs are important. She also emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries to prioritize her mental health.
One more for you, an article in The Washington Post by Jenna Bloom. “I quit social media in college. This is how my life changed.” Jeanna says, for her, “the bad parts of social media were outweighing the good, by a lot.” You can read more about her story here.
Have FOMO? Consider Digital Minimalism
To help look at your digital relationship, check out the book Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport. (This is an affiliate link to Amazon.) A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestseller, Cal encourages “the art of knowing how much is just enough.”
I limit my social media presence to my blog and my Word Press community of fellow bloggers. I look for crafting inspiration on Pinterest, but lately it just feels like scrolling through a bunch of bras advertising (do I really need to see this?!)
Have I missed anything by not being on other social media? I have missed a lot of negative, angry opinions, staged photos, and political muck throwing. If I need to watch a funny cat video, I know where to find one. If I need to know what my family is up to, I call or text them. So, as far as I know I haven’t missed a thing, and that’s just the way I like it!
Have you seen social media as a problem in your life? What actions have you taken to deal with social media’s influence on yourself or your children?
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:23
“Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.” Psalm 119:37
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