I have a confession: I’m pretty terrible at social media (like, really bad). I manage a personal Facebook account, a professional page, Twitter, and Instagram, yet I barely keep up with any of them. Why? Because life with a spirited toddler and an unpredictable schedule fills my days. Even though I have these apps on my phone, I try to limit my use around my daughter. I want to be present, to model mindfulness, and honestly, she doesn’t need to see everything on my feed (while the cat videos are adorable, I’d rather she skip over the more intense content from shows like Game of Thrones).
So when a close friend recently called me out for not being more active on their Facebook page, it stung. I felt a mix of sadness and frustration. Just because I don’t “like” your latest photo, comment on your status, or share your meme doesn’t mean I’m upset with you or that I don’t care. It’s simply an oversight, a consequence of my chaotic life. Sometimes your updates just get lost in my feed.
I’m not trying to make excuses; I’m just being honest. I want you to know that I value our friendship, and I hope you won’t take my social media habits too personally.
Social media has undoubtedly transformed how we connect with one another. When you share exciting moments—like your new house or a cheerful brunch—it’s often to feel close to those you care about. In our “on-demand” world, the desire for instant recognition can be overwhelming. We all crave validation and connection, and yes, I share those feelings too. (It’s painful to pour my heart into a post and hear nothing in return, right?)
However, the belief that “likes” signify support or affection is misguided. It’s a phenomenon of our era, reminiscent of high school dynamics, where popularity often dictated worth. I, for one, am over that. I didn’t enjoy high school politics, and I certainly don’t want to relive those insecurities.
Don’t misunderstand me—I truly care about you. I care about your family, your achievements, your dreams, and even your birthday. But the world of social media has spiraled out of control. The habitual act of liking, sharing, and tagging has become so second nature that it often loses its true meaning. Just because I didn’t engage doesn’t mean I don’t care.
I apologize if my “silence” on social media led you to think otherwise. Sometimes, I’m simply busy—whether it’s playing at the park with my daughter or tackling everyday tasks like cooking. That doesn’t reflect my feelings towards you or our friendship. It just means I’m occasionally overwhelmed.
Perhaps we can agree to communicate in more personal ways. Let’s text or chat—anything that feels more meaningful and direct. Because I genuinely like you, I love you, and I want to show that care in real life, outside the digital realm.
If you’re interested in more discussions about family and parenting, check out our other blog post on home insemination.
Summary
In a world where social media often dictates our perceptions of friendship, it’s crucial to understand that a lack of engagement online doesn’t equate to a lack of care. Life can be busy and chaotic, especially when raising a family. Genuine connections thrive through meaningful communication, so let’s prioritize personal interactions over digital ones.