reducing social media use

In the Christian tradition as we come into the period of easter many denominations observe the period of LENT. I usually don't manage to observe lent, well not strictly. There are times I have given up certain items like sugar, but to be completely honest, I never manage to last the full 40 days....because well...chocolate exists and it is good. 

But this year after a period of prayer and contemplation, I am reducing social media use by deactivating Facebook, though I still have Messenger. I have increasingly found social media to be a black hole of wasted time. Time I want, need and desire to spend on other things. The reasons I am on there are valid and good. I love to see photos of friends and family and hear about what they have been up to. Facebook marketplace is an excellent resource for sourcing second-hand items and Facebook helps me keep up to date with upcoming local events. But it is also full of clickbait, trashy stories, people arguing and needless advertising. When I am stressed or tired I find myself turning to scrolling rather than reading a book, making time for quiet prayer, or going into the garden. I will, however, continue to blog as it is a form of creating and writing is something I find great value in. I won't be uploading blog posts and reminders to social media though. I'll be going old school and relying on readers to check in if and when they remember. 

For me, social media has simply become a bad habit. I wonder if anyone else feels the same? 

It seems many of us struggle with the balance of technology, so much so the technology itself is now being built with alarms and reminders we can set to help us monitor our usage however. I am not particularly convinced about their helpfulness as it doesn't serve giant tech companies' bottom line to keep us offline. 

If we do a quick Google search there are plenty of studies like THIS that are available to read which link to an increase in generalised anxiety which coincides with high levels of social media use. We also know it leads to increased dissatisfaction in the way we feel about our life as we are bombarded by constant advertising of beautiful/fun/interesting things to buy, see and do designed to lure us away from what we have right in front of us. For me, social media has become a mostly unsatisfactory experience. Thankfully it is an experience that lies entirely within my control, which is why I’m focusing on reducing social media use for Lent. Time will tell if it’s a practise that extends beyond that. 

When I look at previous generations, the struggles and distractions we face in the modern world are so very different. I'm deeply thankful for instant communication with those I love, and the wealth of information available at my fingertips. But the flip side is we need to learn new skills that allow us to resist the temptation of mindless scrolling. People in the past naturally had periods of quiet built into their days. Once phones and televisions came into the landscape, they had wires, there were few channels and it wasn't as portable as it is now. I can't help but wonder if the lack of quiet in our lives is adding to the generalised anxiety many of us experience. 

Those who have been reading along for a while might know that I have a history of chronic pericarditis. Recently my heart was playing up a little and I was struggling with dizziness and palpitations. After investigation and a trip to the cardiologist, I was given medication to take as needed, and he recommended I get a smartwatch with ECG functionality and alarms. After years of avoiding a smartwatch, I have conceded defeat. I am hoping It will not add to the cyber distraction from which I am trying to escape. But my cardiologist said he gets at least one person weekly whose smartwatch has picked up AF, prompting them to seek advice and allowing them to receive early treatment. Thankfully my parents generously gifted me one, as there is no room for such an item in our budget. I feel it is ironic timing given my desire to escape technology. Ha! 

So throughout this period of Lent, I am hoping to increase the time I spend in prayer and contemplation. In writing in my journal, blogging, reflecting on scripture, gardening (when it's cool enough), spending time in creation, and re-establishing good household routines that serve our family well. 

Much love,

Emma 

xx

Edit: Here is a useful link of practical ideas on how to reduce mindless scrolling from Zen Habits.