I vividly recall my first experience with Facebook back in 2009. It was the ultimate trend among my college and high school friends, and as a new mom, I found myself grappling with the challenges of stay-at-home motherhood. The feelings of loneliness were overwhelming, and social media provided a much-needed reprieve.
In those early days, I cherished sharing moments of my baby’s milestones—sitting up, eating, and crawling—with friends and family. It felt like a lifeline, reestablishing my connection to the outside world.
Fast forward to today, and my relationship with social media has undergone a significant transformation. Back then, I didn’t own a smartphone and could only log in to Facebook a couple of times a day from my computer. Now, I’m constantly connected, managing social media as part of my job. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok have become essential to my daily routine, serving as sources of humor, parenting tips, and even important news updates.
While social media has enriched my life by fostering connections and providing support, it can also be toxic. As I navigate this digital landscape, I’ve found myself increasingly opting to “unfriend,” “unfollow,” or even “block” individuals who negatively impact my mental health. And honestly, I don’t feel guilty about it. You shouldn’t either.
Before the 2016 election, I managed to avoid the darker side of social media. Sure, I occasionally felt envious of the picture-perfect “mom accounts,” but I had enough real-life friends to keep me grounded. However, when the divisive rhetoric of the Trump era began to dominate my feeds, I felt compelled to make changes. I couldn’t bear to see loved ones supporting such harmful behavior, and thus, I grew accustomed to curating my online space.
The pandemic further exacerbated this need for a clean slate. As I watched friends and family ignore public health guidelines while my own family adhered to them, I felt my frustration mounting. The mental toll of lockdowns and isolation was already heavy, and witnessing others disregard safety measures was unbearable.
My coping mechanism became clear: I needed to eliminate the toxicity from my social media. Anyone who consistently made me angry or dismissed the seriousness of the pandemic was swiftly removed from my feeds. This included not only vocal COVID deniers but also those who simply ignored the reality of the situation.
I’m done with the negativity. There’s no room in my life for anyone who trivializes the lives lost or dismisses the importance of health measures. Each day feels more exhausting than the last, and while I accept the need to keep moving forward, I also recognize the necessity of self-care, even if that means cleaning up my social media.
As I strive to surround myself with supportive and like-minded individuals, I encourage you to do the same. For your own peace of mind, don’t hesitate to unfollow or unfriend those who bring negativity into your life. It’s a crucial step towards maintaining your mental well-being.
For more guidance on self-care and social media management, check out this helpful blog post. You can also learn more about fertility options and health topics at Make a Mom and Healthline.
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Summary:
Navigating social media has required significant adjustments, especially in light of recent political and public health challenges. To preserve mental health and well-being, it’s essential to curate your social media feeds by unfollowing or unfriending individuals who contribute to negativity. By focusing on a supportive online community, you can foster a healthier digital environment.
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