In today’s world, social media is an undeniable aspect of our daily existence, and it shows no signs of disappearing anytime soon. According to Statista, there are approximately 2.34 billion social media users globally, with projections indicating a rise to 2.95 billion by 2020—about one-third of the world’s population. That’s a staggering number of people engaging through social platforms.
I personally find immense value in social media, particularly Facebook. As a work-from-home parent, my professional interactions predominantly occur online, making Facebook my virtual “water cooler.” It’s also been invaluable during the challenging days of parenthood. Not everyone can easily manage a temperamental toddler on just caffeine and a few hours of sleep.
Social media allows me to connect with fellow parents facing similar struggles, all without the need for a shower or real pants. While I occasionally find myself frustrated by intrusive ads or perplexing algorithms (seriously, can we get some relevant content?), my love for Facebook and social media remains strong.
However, several months ago—likely influenced by the tumultuous U.S. presidential election—I noticed my Facebook experience shifting negatively. It began to feel more like a source of frustration than a supportive community.
The issue stemmed from an overcrowded friends list. In the early days of my Facebook journey, I accepted every friend request that came my way, believing that all family members and even distant acquaintances were fair game. But as my friends list ballooned from 200 to nearly 1,000, the sense of genuine connection evaporated. When I began expressing my more nuanced thoughts and occasionally controversial opinions, Facebook no longer felt like the safe space it once had.
When I share amusing stories about my lively kids, I certainly don’t need my great-aunt weighing in on my parenting choices. And when discussing political issues or heartfelt concerns about our country’s state, I want the freedom to speak openly without reservation.
Moreover, I have zero tolerance for any form of racism, homophobia, or sexism. I’m unsure how I ended up connected to individuals with such views, but I recognized that I didn’t need that negativity in my life.
Consequently, I made the decision to significantly prune my friends list. Initially, it felt somewhat uncomfortable. I pride myself on kindness and didn’t want to come across as harsh. But honestly, if I haven’t spoken to you in two decades or if you’re merely a distant connection from the past, I realized it was perfectly fine to let go.
As uncomfortable as unfriending might have been at times, it also felt incredibly liberating. Soon, I built a friends list that reflected my true circle—individuals with whom I felt comfortable sharing my life, venting about daily challenges or political issues, and posting carefree pictures of my kids.
I discovered the magic of Facebook’s list options, allowing me to segment my connections. Now, I have a list for casual interactions and another for deeper, more personal exchanges. This discovery transformed Facebook back into a sanctuary for me.
If social media is weighing you down, I encourage you to take control. Unfollow any pages or individuals that don’t bring you joy, and click that “unfriend” button without hesitation. You have the right to choose who comprises your online community, and setting appropriate boundaries is vital for your well-being.
Taking breaks from social media is also an excellent strategy, even if you can’t fully disengage. For many of us, social media is an integral part of life that feels inescapable. So, if it’s causing you stress, make the necessary changes—no guilt required.
You have the power to reshape social media into a space that aligns with your needs and happiness.
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In summary, social media can greatly enhance our lives, but it’s essential to curate your online experience. By unfriending those who bring negativity and utilizing platform features like lists, you can create a more positive and fulfilling social media environment.