Let’s face it: social media is now woven into the fabric of our daily lives, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. According to Statista, there are currently 2.34 billion social media users globally, with projections that this number will climb to 2.95 billion by 2020—about a third of the world’s population. That’s a staggering number of people connecting through platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
I personally have a soft spot for social media, primarily Facebook. As a work-from-home mom, my “water cooler” chats happen online, making it an essential part of my daily routine. It’s been a lifesaver during those challenging days of parenting when the thought of leaving the house with a tantruming toddler seems impossible. Social media allows me to connect with fellow moms who are navigating the same chaos—without the need to shower or put on real pants. Despite the annoying ads and bizarre algorithms (seriously, Facebook, show me what I actually want to see!), I genuinely enjoy my time spent online.
However, a few months ago—ironically around the time of the most contentious presidential election in U.S. history—I began to realize that Facebook was no longer the joyful escape it used to be. In fact, it was starting to make me feel animosity toward nearly everyone in my network.
The issue? My friends list had ballooned from a manageable 200 to nearly 1,000. Initially, I accepted friend requests from anyone and everyone, thinking that all family members and even distant acquaintances from middle school could be considered friends. But as my list grew, the feeling of closeness began to fade. As I began to share my more candid thoughts and sometimes controversial opinions, Facebook transformed from a safe space into a breeding ground for negativity.
When I share funny stories about my kids’ antics, I definitely don’t need my great-aunt critiquing my parenting skills in the comments. And if I want to express my frustrations about the state of our country, I shouldn’t feel like I have to hold back.
Moreover, I simply don’t want to see any racist, homophobic, or sexist comments from people I once considered friends. It’s baffling how I ended up connected to these individuals, but I decided enough was enough. I didn’t need any more negativity or judgment in my life.
So, I took the plunge and went through a significant culling of my friends list. Initially, it felt a bit uncomfortable. I pride myself on being nice, and I didn’t want to come across as mean. But really, if I haven’t spoken to you in 20 years or if you’re my mom’s best friend’s mom from the 1970s, there’s no reason for us to be connected on social media. And if you’re a blatant racist, well, we shouldn’t have been friends in the first place. Goodbye!
As uncomfortable as it felt at times, unfriending was also incredibly liberating. Soon enough, I had a friends list I felt good about—a group of people I was excited to share my life with, friends I could vent to about parenting or politics, and those who accepted me for who I am, both online and offline.
I also discovered Facebook’s list feature, which allowed me to separate my friends into different categories. This revelation created a social media paradise! I now have a list for casual acquaintances and another for those I share everything with. Facebook has transformed back into my online sanctuary.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your social media presence, do yourself a favor: take charge of your online space. Unfollow any pages or profiles that bring you down and hit that “unfriend” button without remorse. Establish the boundaries that suit you—this isn’t just healthy for you; it’s beneficial for those you’re creating distance from.
And if you feel like taking a break from social media altogether, go for it! But for many, including myself, social media is too embedded in our lives to walk away completely. So, if it’s causing you stress, make those changes without hesitation. You have the power to shape social media into a space that works for you.
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Summary:
Social media is an integral part of modern life, with billions of users worldwide. It can be a wonderful tool for connection, especially for those who work from home or are navigating parenting. However, it’s also easy to become overwhelmed by negativity and unwanted opinions. By curating your friends list and establishing boundaries, you can reclaim your online experience and create a positive space that suits your needs.