Social Media Generation

Social media has become a fast growing and out of control magnet that is all around us. Its reach transcends across multiple generations with the youngest being some of the most vulnerable consumers of it. An occasional digital cleanse is essential for the well-being of our minds, bodies, and souls.

Whether you are an entrepreneur, content creator, artist, or someone who needs to connect you are using social media for connection, education or both. How did something created to supposedly better our lives become toxic for so many? Since when did cyber bullying become ok? People are often comfortable posting vicious and cruel comments behind the safety of anonymity. What's more disturbing is that it is not just children but more adults showing this toxic behavior.

Facebook is a place to supposedly connect with family and friends yet is has increasingly become a breeding ground for predators and those who misuse the platforms to spread hateful ideology. I cannot help but shy away from this platform because whenever I do check, someone has posted something that ends up taking family or friend drama to new heights.

There is a time and place to address feelings and emotions. A public Facebook page is not one of those places. It’s also not necessarily the best place to announce a death or a sickness. Call me old fashion for still believing that a phone call or face to face conversation is better for sensitive discussions.

We each communicate in our own unique ways; however, it is equally important to do so in a healthy way. Many can be impressionable and easily influenced by what they see and hear. Unfortunately, social media is where predators thrive and those constantly looking to turn people into clone followers of their own misguided and detrimental ideas can find their new prey. It can also allow others to thrive in settings where posting negative or hateful comments become the norm.

Social media still can and has been useful in many instances. While I do not personally use apps like TikTok or Facebook much, I have seen and heard of many instances where people have engaged with or learned something new, useful, and fulfilling. Unfortunately, all it takes is one small percentage of the wrong kind of users to poison an entire system.

One helpful tip to avoid toxic users on social media platforms is to do a personal cleanse of who you follow and what types of postings you view. I have personally found by cutting back on following certain content and people, I have successfully made my own engagement with social media much less stressful and more pleasurable.

Engaging with social media in moderation can be a positive experience. While current debates are blaming various platforms for violent acts committed and false information spreading, it is a reminder for all to take exceptional care in checking your own mental wellness. Know when to disengage and know when to unplug. For example, start with a one day a week no social media day or a ban of viewing at certain times during the day.

Start with whatever works for you and your family and remember to do a mental wellness check with yourself. Most importantly, always check and know what content your children and family are viewing. This knowledge can literally save lives.