Recently, I noticed that a distant relative had become less visible on my Facebook feed. Curiosity got the better of me, and I checked her profile, only to discover that she had “unfriended” me. Initially, I was a bit surprised. While we don’t see each other often, we do share family gatherings occasionally. My first instinct was to wonder if I had unintentionally offended her. But upon reflection, I remembered that we hold starkly different political views, which likely played a role in her decision.
Over the years, we’ve managed to keep our interactions polite despite our differences, but the current climate has heightened tensions for many of us, myself included. I could easily see why she wouldn’t want to be bombarded by my posts expressing my frustrations and fears about the present political landscape.
When I realized this, I felt no resentment. After all, engaging with someone on social media—or in real life—should be a choice made freely. She exercised her right to curate her online experience, and I respect that.
The Purpose of Social Media
Social media serves a distinct purpose for many of us. It’s a sanctuary for connecting with like-minded individuals, venting frustrations, and sharing valuable information. For parents, it can be a brief escape during the chaos of everyday life—an opportunity to connect with others who understand without the constant demands of children.
In the past, I accepted friend requests from nearly everyone, but I came to recognize that social media had morphed into a space that felt less safe and connected. As political tensions escalated, I realized I needed a refuge where I could express my fears and outrage without facing judgment. If I wanted criticism, I could simply browse the comments on any viral post!
Cleaning Up My Friend List
I decided to clean up my friend list, and it was liberating. I unfollowed some people, meaning I no longer saw their posts but could still reconnect later if desired. Others, however, required a more definitive break, leading me to hit “unfriend.” Occasionally, this action felt like a bold statement, but more often, it resembled a healthy parting of ways.
Unfriending someone doesn’t imply that you never want to see them again or that there’s animosity between you. It merely indicates a desire to disengage from their social media presence, where personal lives, struggles, and opinions are often shared. It’s an opportunity to set boundaries, suggesting, “I appreciate our connection, just not in this space.”
That said, if someone’s posts are blatantly offensive—racist, sexist, or hateful—then that’s a clear signal to reassess the friendship entirely. There’s no need to tolerate toxicity, whether online or offline.
The Stress of Social Media
We must remember that while social media can be a valuable tool, it can also trigger stress. The constant stream of negative news, coupled with the pressure to compare ourselves to others, can be overwhelming. It’s essential to acknowledge that the fear of judgment can loom large, and many individuals find themselves feeling attacked through their screens.
Life is already filled with challenges, so why should we allow social media to add to that burden? If someone online makes you feel less than stellar, consider disconnecting. Unfriend, unfollow, or whatever helps you cultivate a positive online experience.
And if my posts ever make you uncomfortable or unhappy, please, feel free to unfriend me. Whether you’re uninterested in my political rants or my endless cute kid photos, I completely understand. We can still maintain our real-life friendship, and sometimes, stepping back on social media can even enhance that connection.
Creating a Positive Online Environment
Ultimately, social media should be a nurturing and affirming space. Don’t hesitate to mold it into an environment that works for you. If that means clicking “unfriend” now and then, go right ahead. No regrets, no hard feelings, and definitely no guilt.
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In summary, unfriending on social media can be a healthy choice, allowing us to curate our online experiences to prioritize our well-being. Remember, it’s perfectly acceptable to set boundaries and seek out connections that uplift you.