I think it is safe to say social media has taken over most of our lives. It has gone from a way to keep in touch with people to an obsession. I have fallen victim to its powers as well. But as this past election has come and gone, I find myself wanting to boycott social media more than ever. And it is okay to do so.
I find that the biggest problem with social media is that some of it is forced. The whole 'pics or it didn't happen' falls under this category.
Social media can bring out the worst in people. Since the election has happened, I have seen nothing but nasty posts and comments. Offensive pictures and videos have occupied my timelines as well.
It's almost as if the social media of older generations have figured out how to properly use it better then we have. For example, if I were to look at the Facebook page of an older cousin, married with a family, I would find posts about their kids or family trips. The reason behind their post being to share what they are doing, not only with me while I'm away at college, but also with other family members who live in different states. They are keeping us up to date and making us feel included in their lives when we can't be there. That is the reason platforms like Facebook were created.
For that reason, I do check Facebook regularly to stay updated. As for other forms of social media, I am okay with disengaging with them for a little bit.
Look at this scenario, you are spending your Saturday night playing board games with your family. As you are playing, are you on your phone? If so, are you constantly checking social media? If you are, why? Is it because you don't want to feel like you are missing out? Or is it because you want to know what a specific person is doing? Is the only reason you keep refreshing Instagram or Snapchat because you're nosey and have FOMO?
Does the root of the evil of social media have to do with the fear of missing out?
While you are viciously scrolling through the different platforms, you are disengaged from your family and what is going on around you. All because you are missing out on one party or social gathering.
Is checking on your friends that are at the party really that more important than spending quality time with your family?
It is okay to put your phone away or leave it in another room when you are spending time with your family or friends. It makes them feel more important and you are more engaged and pay more attention to what you are doing and those that truly matter.
In retrospect, it is okay to go out and keep your phone in your purse or in your back pocket. No one needs to see your four-hour long Snapchat story that proves you had a night out on the town. Why be more worried about who like your picture or who has seen your story over dancing with your friends and making memories in the process.
Sure you can take pictures to remember the night. But is the point of that picture to recall some of the memories you made or to prove that you were there? After all, you can't make many memories if you spend the entire night on your phone.
