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Social Media: A Crucial Part of Our Lives, but It’s Okay to Unfriend When Needed
Let’s face it: social media is here to stay, whether we’re ready for it or not. Statista estimates that there are currently 2.34 billion users globally, and by 2020, that number is expected to soar to 2.95 billion — roughly a third of the world’s population. Wowza! That’s an enormous number of people connecting through social media.
Personally, I’m a huge fan of platforms like Facebook. As a work-from-home parent, my virtual “water cooler” chat takes place online. It’s been a lifesaver on those particularly challenging days of parenting when getting out of the house feels like climbing Everest after a night of two hours of sleep and way too much coffee.
Social media allows me to connect with fellow parents who understand my struggles without the need for pants or a shower. Despite the annoying ads and baffling algorithms (seriously, can we get more relevant posts, please?), I truly love Facebook and the connections it fosters.
However, a few months back (around the time of that unforgettable presidential election, if you catch my drift), I started to feel that Facebook was no longer the happy place it used to be. In fact, it began to make me feel pretty negative about the people I knew.
I realized that my friends list had blown up from a manageable 200 to nearly 1,000. Initially, I accepted every friend request that came my way — after all, family is friends, right? And why not include that acquaintance from high school? But as my friends list expanded, the sense of connection faded. The platform that once felt safe for my thoughts and feelings became a minefield of judgment and negativity.
When I share amusing stories about my kids, I certainly don’t want my great-aunt weighing in on my parenting style. And if I’m expressing my concerns about the mess our country is in, I don’t want to feel like I have to censor myself. Plus, I have zero tolerance for any racist, homophobic, or sexist comments. I’m not sure how such “friends” found their way onto my list, but I decided enough was enough.
So, I embarked on a serious purge of my friends list. Initially, it felt a bit awkward. I pride myself on being kind, and the thought of unfriending people felt harsh. But honestly, if I haven’t talked to you since the days of dial-up internet, or if you’re my mom’s best friend’s cousin from the ‘70s, we probably don’t need to connect. And if you’re a flat-out racist, I’m baffled how we were ever friends in the first place. Goodbye!
As uncomfortable as the unfriending process was, it was also incredibly liberating. Soon enough, I had a friends list that felt right — a group of people with whom I could share my life honestly, complain about politics, and post those silly pictures of my kids in superhero capes, knowing they’d accept me for who I am.
And yes, there are still some friends I don’t share everything with, but I discovered the beauty of Facebook’s list features. Now, I have different groups for sharing everything from lighthearted updates to deeper thoughts. It’s like I found a social media paradise, and my Facebook experience is joyful again.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your online social life, take charge and make it your own. Unfollow anything that doesn’t spark joy. Don’t hesitate to hit that “unfriend” button — your mental health is worth it. You have the power to shape your social media experience into something positive and meaningful.
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In summary, social media is a significant part of our lives, but it should be a source of positivity and connection. Don’t hesitate to curate your friends list to ensure it aligns with your values and brings you joy. You have the right to create your online sanctuary!