Ugh, Social Media.
Hey there, beautiful, fun, and wild mamas. Welcome back.
This week, I want to dive into the pervasive influence of social media and the screen epidemic that has gripped us since the early 2000s. I'm going to be candid and straightforward in this post, so bear with me and extend some grace.
The Social Media Conundrum
Platforms like MySpace, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter (now X), BlueSky, TruthSocial—let's call it what it is: a digital quagmire. This is why we feel confused. This is why we're lost. This is why we have no idea where time has gone and why we lack clear direction in our lives.
I have a distinct memory of practicing basketball around 2003 when MySpace was emerging. My dad wisely advised me to steer clear of such nonsense, but as a newly minted teenager, I eventually rebelled and created a MySpace page. I dabbled in HTML coding, uploaded every photo I had (don't judge—we all posted selfies taken with low-quality cell phone cameras or portable digital cameras). Side note: I wasn't cool enough to have a BlackBerry. In fact, I didn't get a cell phone (a flip phone) until I was 17. But I digress.
In my small, sweltering Texas town, MySpace seemed like a way to "stay in touch" with "friends." In reality, it gave me a false sense of friendship and made me realize that my school friendships were just that—confined to school. There were few instances of spending time with these "friends" outside of school-mandated activities.
The Science Behind the Screen
Research has increasingly shown the detrimental effects of excessive social media use on mental health. A systematic review found that the use of social networking sites is associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress. Stanford Law School
Moreover, a study by the World Health Organization highlighted that problematic social media users reported lower mental and social well-being and higher levels of substance use compared to non-problematic users and non-users. World Health Organization (WHO)
For our children, the stakes are even higher. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that about 50% of teenagers aged 12–17 had four hours or more of daily screen time. Excessive screen time has been linked to increased feelings of anxiety and depression among teens. Atrius Health+2CDC+2COSMO Technologies, Inc.+2
Creating a Healthy Relationship with Social Media
So, what can we do to foster a healthier relationship with these "necessary" tools of interaction, trading, and marketing?
Set Boundaries: Establish clear rules for screen time that make sense for your family. Creating tech-free zones or times can help balance online and offline activities. UNICEF
Model Behavior: Demonstrate the digital habits you want your children to adopt. If they see you setting limits and engaging in offline activities, they're more likely to follow suit.
Open Dialogue: Maintain honest and ongoing conversations about social media use. Discuss the content they encounter and encourage critical thinking about online interactions. Akron Children's Hospital
Educate on Digital Literacy: Teach your children how to navigate the digital world safely, including understanding privacy settings, recognizing misinformation, and the importance of not sharing personal information. dove
Encourage Offline Activities: Promote hobbies and activities that don't involve screens. Whether it's sports, reading, or arts and crafts, engaging in offline pursuits can provide a healthy balance.
By taking these steps, we can reclaim our time, strengthen our real-world relationships, and guide our children toward healthier digital habits. Let's not allow screens to dictate our lives or our sense of self-worth.
Remember, mamas, it's about finding balance. We don't have to shun technology entirely, but we must be mindful of its place in our lives. Let's lead by example and show our children the value of genuine, offline connections.
Stay wild, stay grounded, and as always, take care of yourselves and your loved ones.