Social Media Detox

 When I was in middle school I tried cigarettes for the first time and thought, wow, I could easily get addicted to this.  Turns out what I have gotten addicted to is Facebook and that is what they want after all.  I just finished watching The Social Dilemma today (can you tell?!).  For a while I have been struggling with what to do about Facebook and watching that documentary just clinched it for me, I'm done for real this time.

A while after we moved to Iowa, I had what I like to call "the Facebook debacle".  I won't go into great detail but essentially I posted some things (mostly about Trump) that didn't go over well and I was "talked to" about it.  I was told that I need to tone it down because there are some people here that really like him.  The way I interpreted that was, I think differently and that's not okay...or at least maybe I should just keep it to myself.  If you know me well you know that I'm an open book and I'm not at all about being "fake".  If I feel strongly about something, if something or someone scares me, I'm going to say what I'm thinking...the problem is, I'm usually saying these things "out there" in social media.  So anyway, what resulted from this debacle was me feeling alienated, isolated and like everyone was judging me.  I had no idea who it was that had a problem with what I was saying so as far as I knew, it was everyone.  At one point someone commented on a post I made about listening to Dr.'s and healthcare professionals when it comes to Covid- "Go back to California".  I was stunned and hurt.  I made a rash decision to delete Facebook but then I thought, I shouldn't have to do that, I still want to be connected to so many people out there, so I'll just "unfriend" people...well I don't think that was the best thing either.  The whole thing turned into a shit show.  For real.

The documentary I watched today talked a lot about how these platforms have divided us, how they manipulate and control us and I just decided, okay, that's it, I'm done.  Maybe if I had better self control, maybe if I didn't have a slightly addictive personality, I could keep it...but I know myself, it has to be all or nothing.  It's become harmful to my mental health, my relationships and my ministry.  I know that if I had gotten into real conversations with people, they would never say these things to my face and because of what they have seen on the internet, they won't give me a chance now.  Another thing for me is I have a teenager, a tween and two more that will one day "be there" and I feel like I need to lead by example.  I can't tell them that these things are harmful if I'm scrolling them constantly.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying everyone should quit but I definitely think you should at least watch The Social Dilemma and be aware of the danger.

I am definitely going to miss seeing photos of my friends and family, but I've come to the realization that the harm outweighs the good at this point, at least for me personally.  So, if you want to stay connected with me please follow my blog because I will definitely keep saying what I think HERE!  Also, I will put my email at the bottom so please email me!  I love you all and wish you well.  

Peace

jasmineunderland@gmail.com

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