Ever feel overwhelmed by the constant social media updates? Have you ever set your phone down, walked away and returned to 50+ notifications? The need for constant connection has changed how we live and our daily interactions with others. The news runs 24/7. Social media is accessible in seconds with new posts from friends/followers. But what are we learning from our friends and how does that affect our psychological well being and life choices?
The other night I was thinking about what my next blog post should be about. I try to think about how social media impacts daily activities or thoughts. I could not get out of my mind, the feeling of needing to check in on my various social media accounts for updates. I had not checked in on some platforms for days. The anxiety of not being able to catch up on all that I missed was unsettling. This is unusual for me. I'm usually nonchalant about missing out on these types of activities. So why now am I anxious?
I do not have an answer, but it did prompt me to look at how social media is a Rat Race. I learned this term growing up. There is a financial board game and a movie with the same name. I've played the game and watched the movie. The meaning of Rat Race, per Cambridge Dictionary, is "a way of life in modern society, in which people compete with each other for power and money."
I found a couple of blogs on the Social Media Rat Race perspective. They were enlightening to read and provided validation to my thoughts. One blog focuses on the need for people to continually post and attract followers. The number of followers determines social media success. For example, Influencers are born from the number of followers they gather (and knowledge they share). They are winning the social media rat race!
The social media rat race is affecting how we interact with others and how we live. We are influenced by the posts we see and become consumers of the ideas and likes of influencers. Are these your true desires? Something to consider...take a moment and reflect on what influences you and whether it is something you truly desire.
My feelings of needing to check in and be current on social media
postings is my rat race. It's an endless and pointless pursuit to be
"current." I have since regained my balance and refocused my intentions
for social media usage.
I understand the feeling. It can be overwhelming and when we step back... very meaningless.
ReplyDeleteI like what Solomon said almost 3,000 years ago:
"Vapor of vapors and futility of futilities, says the Preacher. Vapor of vapors and futility of futilities! All is vanity (emptiness, falsity, and vainglory)."
He goes on to talk about how the things we think will make us happy are actually temporary and empty. But he doesn't leave us with out purpose. Later he says:
"There is nothing better for humans than that they should eat and drink and make themselves enjoy good in their labor. Even this, I have seen, is from the hand of God."
In other words, stop and enjoy life. Don't worry about what people think of you on social media or other places.
Blessings to you.
My experience with the social media "rat race" was more enhanced during the weeks we were working on our community norms paper. And I am finding it hard to get out of it. also, with the platforms littered with too much of unsettling news nowadays has made me consider many times about probably taking a hiatus from the social media craziness.
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