Love it or hate it, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, and it’s not going anywhere. Statista estimates that there are currently 2.34 billion social media users globally. By 2020, that number is expected to rise to 2.95 billion—about a third of the world’s population! That’s a staggering amount of people connecting through these platforms.
As a work-from-home parent, I personally love social media, especially Facebook. It serves as my virtual “water cooler,” where I chat with co-workers and bond with other parents—especially on those tougher days of parenting. Let’s be honest, not all of us can easily manage taking a tantruming toddler outside when we’re running on caffeine and barely any sleep.
Social media allows me to connect with fellow moms facing similar challenges, all while in my pajamas. And while I may grumble about annoying ads or those pesky algorithms (seriously, can you show me what I actually want to see?), I genuinely enjoy Facebook and the connections it fosters.
However, a few months back, around the time of the most tumultuous presidential election in the U.S., I noticed Facebook wasn’t the refuge it used to be; it began to make me feel frustrated with almost everyone I knew. I quickly realized that my friends list had become overwhelming. In the early days, I accepted every friend request that came my way—family, distant acquaintances, and even friends of friends. But as my friend count soared from 200 to nearly 1000, the sense of community began to fade, and with it, my comfort in sharing my thoughts and opinions.
When I post amusing stories about my kids, I don’t need my great-aunt weighing in with parenting critiques. And discussing political issues? I shouldn’t have to hold back my thoughts. Moreover, I refuse to see any racist, homophobic, xenophobic, or sexist comments. I’m not sure how those individuals made their way onto my friends list, but I decided it was time to declutter.
I took the bold step of trimming down my friends list. At first, it felt a bit uncomfortable. I pride myself on kindness and didn’t want to come off as harsh. But honestly, if I haven’t spoken to you in decades, or if you’re my mom’s best friend’s sister from way back, I probably don’t need to stay connected. And if you’re a blatant racist? Well, that’s a definite “see ya!”
While unfriending felt awkward at times, it also brought a wave of relief that was exhilarating. Soon enough, my friends list was filled with people I felt comfortable sharing my life with—friends with whom I could vent about life and politics, people who accepted me for who I am, both online and offline.
Of course, there are still some friends on my list that I don’t share everything with, but I discovered Facebook’s list features. Now, I have a group for casual connections and another for deeper interactions. This newfound organization has transformed Facebook into my online sanctuary once again.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your social media experience, take charge and reshape it to suit your needs. Unfollow any pages or individuals that bring negativity into your life and don’t hesitate to hit that “unfriend” button. You have every right to curate your online presence without feeling guilty. Establishing boundaries can be beneficial for both you and those you choose to keep in your circle.
And remember, it’s perfectly acceptable to take breaks from social media or even step away entirely. For many of us, however, social media is a reality we can’t entirely escape. If it’s causing you distress, don’t wait—make those changes, no matter how tough they may seem. You have the power to reclaim your social media space and mold it into what you want it to be.
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In summary, social media can be a double-edged sword, but by thoughtfully curating your friends list and interactions, you can create a more positive online experience. Don’t hesitate to unfriend those who don’t contribute to your happiness and well-being.