Let’s face it: social media is here to stay, and its presence in our lives is undeniable. According to Statista, there are currently around 2.34 billion social media users worldwide, with projections suggesting that number will soar to 2.95 billion by 2020—roughly one-third of the globe’s population. That’s an incredible number of people connecting online!
Personally, I’m a huge fan of social media, particularly Facebook. As a work-from-home mom, most of my office chats happen on the platform. It’s been invaluable during those tough mommy days when even getting out of the house feels like climbing Everest, especially on just caffeine and a few hours of sleep.
Social media allows me to bond with other mothers who are going through similar struggles—without needing to put on pants or even shower. Sure, I might grumble about the annoying ads or the bizarre algorithms (seriously, Facebook, throw me a bone here), but I genuinely enjoy the connections it facilitates.
However, a few months back—likely around the time of the most dreadful presidential election in U.S. history—I noticed that Facebook was becoming less enjoyable. In fact, it was making me feel frustrated with nearly everyone I knew.
I quickly realized that my friends list had exploded. When I first joined, I accepted every friend request that came my way. Family? Sure! Friends from high school? Why not! But as my friends count grew from 200 to nearly 1,000, that intimate connection with my “tribe” began to fade. The platform that once felt safe became a space filled with noise and negativity.
When I shared amusing stories about my kids, I didn’t need my third cousin’s unsolicited parenting advice in the comments. And if I wanted to vent about the state of the world, I didn’t want to feel pressured to hold back. Plus, I certainly didn’t want to see any racist or homophobic comments from people I barely knew. How did I even end up with “friends” who held those views?
So, I made a bold decision: it was time for a serious friend list purge. At first, it felt uncomfortable. I like to think of myself as kind and inclusive, and unfriending felt harsh. But honestly, if I haven’t spoken to you in two decades, or if you’re just some distant acquaintance from 1972, why remain connected? No hard feelings, truly.
And if you’re a blatant racist? Well, there’s the door.
As uncomfortable as the unfriending process was, it also felt incredibly liberating. Before long, my friends list was filled with people I felt good about—a supportive group with whom I could share life’s ups and downs, the occasional rant, and even silly pictures of my kids in superhero capes.
I learned to utilize Facebook’s list features—an absolute game changer! Now I can curate my experience, sharing deeper thoughts with those who get me while keeping things light with others. It’s like finding social media paradise!
If your online experience is feeling heavy or toxic, take charge and make it your own. Unfollow anything that doesn’t bring you joy and hit that “unfriend” button liberally. Decide who belongs in your online space without guilt; it’s perfectly okay to set boundaries.
And if you need a break from social media entirely, that’s fine too. For many of us, social media is interwoven into our lives, and cutting it off completely might not be feasible. But if it’s causing you stress, don’t hesitate to make those changes—no matter how brutal they may seem. You have the power to redefine your social media experience.
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In summary, social media can be a powerful tool for connection, but it’s crucial to curate your experience. Don’t hesitate to let go of the negativity and embrace the connections that uplift you.