Updated: Dec. 2, 2023
Originally Published: Nov. 7, 2023
In today’s digital age, social media has become an undeniable aspect of our daily lives, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. According to Statista, there are approximately 2.34 billion social media users globally, with projections indicating this number could soar to 2.95 billion by 2020—nearly a third of the entire world’s population! That’s a staggering number of individuals connecting through various platforms.
Personally, I find social media incredibly useful, especially platforms like Facebook. As a stay-at-home parent, I often rely on online interactions for my “water cooler” conversations. It’s been a lifesaver during those challenging days of parenting. Not everyone finds it simple to venture out with a fussy toddler when you’re running on little sleep and caffeine.
Social media offers me a lifeline to connect with fellow parents who understand the struggles I face—without the need for showering or dressing up! Despite my occasional gripes about intrusive ads and peculiar algorithms (seriously, can we see more of what we actually care about?), I genuinely enjoy Facebook and its community.
However, a few months back—around the time of the most tumultuous U.S. presidential election—I realized that Facebook was losing its charm for me. In simpler terms, it was beginning to breed negativity and frustration regarding my social circle.
I quickly understood that my friends list had become overwhelmingly large. Initially, I accepted every friend request, believing that anyone related to me or even a distant acquaintance from middle school deserved a spot on my list. But as my network ballooned from 200 to nearly 1000, the sense of connection I once felt faded. Facebook started to feel less like a safe haven for sharing thoughts and more like a platform where I was constantly exposed to unwanted opinions.
When I share amusing stories about my kids, I certainly don’t need to hear my distant cousin’s unsolicited parenting advice in the comments. And if I want to express my concerns about current events, I shouldn’t feel the need to censor myself.
Moreover, I have zero tolerance for comments that reflect racism, homophobia, or sexism. I still can’t fathom how I ended up with connections that harbor such views—perhaps the political atmosphere has amplified some people’s true colors. So, I resolved to eliminate negativity from my Facebook experience.
Thus began a thorough pruning of my friends list. At first, it felt a bit uncomfortable; after all, I strive to be kind. However, if I haven’t spoken to someone in two decades, or if they’re a family friend from way back, do I really need to maintain that connection? No hard feelings, truly. And if you’re someone who spouts hate, it’s time to say goodbye.
Surprisingly, this unfriending process turned out to be liberating! Before long, I had a friends list I felt great about—people I could share my life with openly, vent about the challenges of parenting, and trust to appreciate my authenticity, both online and offline.
While there are still some connections I prefer to keep at a distance, I discovered Facebook’s list options and felt like I had struck social media gold. If you’re not familiar with how to use friend lists, you should definitely explore this feature. I now have separate lists for sharing casual updates and more personal matters with those I trust. The transformation is incredible, and Facebook has returned to being my online refuge.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your social media interactions, I encourage you to take charge and curate your experience. Unfollow any pages or organizations that don’t bring you joy, and don’t hesitate to hit that “unfriend” button. Determine who you want to include in your online life without a hint of guilt. Setting boundaries is essential for your mental well-being and is beneficial for those you choose to limit interactions with.
It’s also worth considering taking breaks from social media or even stepping away completely if it becomes too stressful. For many of us, however, social media remains a significant part of our lives, making complete avoidance unrealistic.
So, if social media is creating unnecessary tension in your life, make those changes quickly—no matter how drastic they may feel. You have the power to reshape your online landscape to reflect what you truly want it to be. For more insights, check out this post about social media dynamics on our blog, Cervical Insemination.
Summary
Social media is an integral part of modern life, but it’s vital to maintain a healthy online environment. By unfriending connections that bring negativity and curating your friend lists, you can reclaim your social media experience and make it more enjoyable.
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