This brilliantly details how I nearly quit the inter webs a few months ago. It was the feeling of being boxed in. You’ve illustrated the irresistible feeling of being fed, through our brain holes, even when it takes us away from our best interests, like getting out in nature.
Thank you Shondra, every other day I want to quit social media, but I keep coming right back. It's like I'm hoping that likes, retweets, shares and heart emojis will fill up some bottomless pit in me.
“I struggle to remember when we decided to have selective empathy. This digital exposure stresses me out; I exit from Facebook and doom scroll on TikTok. That should keep me safe.” — I feel this heavy.
I used to think I just needed social media breaks to cope with the constant anxiety, but I’m realizing now I need to rewire how I use social media entirely now. That the constant time with it and I’m scrolling only makes me numb to so many tragedies rather than mobilizes my feet toward action. It is such a difficult thing to practice, but it is a practice. We will find a way to stay present and bear witness. To move towards actions. But also take care of our nervous systems and souls.
Social media is like a black hole, sometimes. It does something to cortisol levels and stresses me out. Yes it’s entertaining and informative and gives me these parasocial relationships but at what cost? I know my limitations as an empath so I try to stay sane! I loved that Mia song when it came out (slumdog millionaire?) and it’s the perfect pairing to a personified Social Media. Great, thought provoking piece, thank you.
@Sadia, thank you so much for reading and commenting on this post. I share your sentiments about social media, even if I fail to manage my engagement with it in the ways I would prefer. But yes, social media has it's perks, but its dangerous, and honestly frighteningly addictive.
This brilliantly details how I nearly quit the inter webs a few months ago. It was the feeling of being boxed in. You’ve illustrated the irresistible feeling of being fed, through our brain holes, even when it takes us away from our best interests, like getting out in nature.
Thank you Shondra, every other day I want to quit social media, but I keep coming right back. It's like I'm hoping that likes, retweets, shares and heart emojis will fill up some bottomless pit in me.
Thank you for sharing you thoughts, Stanley!
“I struggle to remember when we decided to have selective empathy. This digital exposure stresses me out; I exit from Facebook and doom scroll on TikTok. That should keep me safe.” — I feel this heavy.
I used to think I just needed social media breaks to cope with the constant anxiety, but I’m realizing now I need to rewire how I use social media entirely now. That the constant time with it and I’m scrolling only makes me numb to so many tragedies rather than mobilizes my feet toward action. It is such a difficult thing to practice, but it is a practice. We will find a way to stay present and bear witness. To move towards actions. But also take care of our nervous systems and souls.
The feeling around sharing your thoughts about Palestine is real. Feels like the cost is so heavy.
Social media is like a black hole, sometimes. It does something to cortisol levels and stresses me out. Yes it’s entertaining and informative and gives me these parasocial relationships but at what cost? I know my limitations as an empath so I try to stay sane! I loved that Mia song when it came out (slumdog millionaire?) and it’s the perfect pairing to a personified Social Media. Great, thought provoking piece, thank you.
@Sadia, thank you so much for reading and commenting on this post. I share your sentiments about social media, even if I fail to manage my engagement with it in the ways I would prefer. But yes, social media has it's perks, but its dangerous, and honestly frighteningly addictive.
Well done. Social media, especially TikTok, has devolved to the lowest common denominator. The spin and misinformation is mind-blowing.