I vividly recall my first experience with Facebook. It was 2009, and the platform was buzzing among my college and high school friends. As a new mom navigating the challenges of staying at home, I often felt lonely and isolated. Social media quickly became my refuge. I could share milestones like my baby’s first sit-up and first bites of food with friends and family, receiving instant reactions that made me feel connected.
Fast forward over a decade, and my relationship with social media has transformed. Back then, I didn’t even own a smartphone, accessing Facebook only a couple of times a day from my computer. Today, I’m constantly connected for work, managing various social media accounts. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok have become integral parts of my daily life, providing a source of entertainment, support, and information about current events.
While social media has fostered connections and provided laughs during tough parenting days, it can also be overwhelming and toxic. Years ago, I eagerly accepted friend requests from anyone I knew, but now I’m more inclined to unfriend or block individuals whose content no longer serves my mental wellbeing.
Until the 2016 election, social media didn’t have a significant negative impact on my life. Sure, there were perfectly curated mom accounts that made me feel inadequate, but I had enough supportive friends in real life to keep me grounded. However, the vitriol and division that arose during that election cycle changed everything. The number of people I unfollowed and unfriended began to outnumber those I welcomed into my feed.
For my mental health, I had to cut ties with those who supported toxic rhetoric. I learned to unfriend and block even people I knew outside of social media, which prepared me for the pandemic when the situation only worsened.
Initially, it was the hateful slogans I saw on my feed that prompted me to take action, but as the pandemic progressed, I found myself unfollowing those who dismissed COVID-19 entirely. Watching my children grapple with isolation while seeing others disregard public health guidelines was infuriating. The anger I felt pushed me to further curate my social media environment.
As a social media manager, I couldn’t escape the platforms, but I could control my personal accounts. Anyone who consistently incited frustration was removed. I can’t tolerate those who treat a pandemic as a joke or minimize the gravity of its consequences.
I’m exhausted, running on empty as I navigate daily life during these challenging times. While I can’t take breaks from social media, I can cleanse my feed of negativity. Just as we clean our homes, we can also refresh our social media spaces. Surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals who prioritize health and kindness can be incredibly rejuvenating.
So, if you find yourself burdened by the toxicity in your feed, don’t hesitate to unfollow, unfriend, or block. It’s a vital act of self-care. You owe no one an explanation, and it’s essential to prioritize your well-being.
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