I vividly remember my first experience with Facebook. It was 2009, and it was the talk of the town among my college and high school peers. As a new mom navigating the challenges of stay-at-home parenting, I found myself feeling isolated and lonely. Social media became my comfort, allowing me to instantly share precious moments of my baby’s milestones with friends and family — all with just a few clicks. It was my way back into the world.
Fast forward to today, and my relationship with social media has transformed dramatically. Back then, I didn’t even own a smartphone; I could only access Facebook a couple of times a day from my computer. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and TikTok were still on the horizon. Now, I’m constantly connected, managing social media for work and engaging across various platforms. It’s no longer just about sharing adorable pictures of my kids; it’s also where I discover parenting memes, book clubs, and crucial news about figures like Stacey Abrams and AOC.
Over the years, social media has helped me forge connections, find support, and even discover job opportunities. Yet, as with anything, too much can become detrimental. While I enjoy the humor and creativity found on TikTok and Instagram, I’ve witnessed how social media can morph into a toxic environment. Once eager to connect with old acquaintances, I now find myself unfriending, unfollowing, or blocking people more often.
And I don’t feel guilty about it.
Until the 2016 election, social media was mostly a positive space for me. Sure, there were those immaculate mom accounts showcasing flawless lives that sometimes made me feel inadequate. Yet, with a solid network of real-life friends who kept me grounded, I typically shrugged off any jealousy.
Then came the rise of divisive politics. The toxic rhetoric that permeated Facebook and Twitter during and after the Trump era forced me into a position where unfollowing became a necessity for my mental health. I couldn’t bear to see loved ones support such harmful ideologies, so I had to let some connections go.
Looking back, I’m grateful that I had already started the process of unfriending before the pandemic hit. The last year has only intensified my need to curate my social media circles. Initially, I was driven to unfollow individuals who echoed the hateful “Lock her up” and “Go back where you came from” sentiments. Now, I’m also removing those who deny or ignore the reality of COVID-19.
The pandemic significantly affected my mental health as my family sheltered in place, and my kids were pulled from their social circles. The weight of our isolation hung heavily on us, but we understood the importance of following health guidelines for everyone’s safety. This awareness only deepened my frustration when I saw friends gathering in large groups without masks, seemingly oblivious to the pandemic’s severity.
As my children expressed their longing for normalcy, it became increasingly difficult to witness others ignoring health protocols. The bitterness crept in, and I realized that I needed to protect my mental well-being by adjusting my social media exposure. Individuals who consistently sparked anger in me were promptly unfollowed or blocked, especially those mocking mask mandates or disregarding the seriousness of the pandemic.
In a time when I couldn’t escape the digital noise of social media due to my job, I found solace in cleansing my personal accounts. Anyone who made light of the pandemic or shared harmful rhetoric was cut from my feed.
It’s essential to prioritize our mental health, especially in these challenging times. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to declutter your social media. Surround yourself with accounts that uplift and support you. There’s no shame in unfollowing, unfriending, or blocking those who don’t align with your values or well-being. This digital detox can lighten the burdens we’ve all been carrying.
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In summary, curating your social media experience is vital for maintaining your mental health. It’s okay to let go of connections that weigh you down. Focus on surrounding yourself with positivity and support, ensuring your online space reflects your values and encourages your well-being.