Tech Bytes: Social media

By Kari Luecke, Middle School Educational Technologist 

When asked on "The Tim Ferriss Show" in May 2020 about his presence on social media, Michael Lewis simply stated, “I wish I could say ‘yes,’ but I don’t do social media. So the answer is ‘no…I have no way to be found. Except through my work.'"

Here in 2021, we’ve learned to adjust. Our workspaces look, sound, and feel quite different than they did a year ago. As we’ve surpassed tech learning curves to redefine our professional and personal lives, it’s also become difficult to compartmentalize the two. Ever found yourself in the infinitely scrolling and thinking, “What was it that I sat down to do?”

Social media has been a happy, metaphorical intercessor, linking millions of socially-distanced families, friends, congregations, assisted living facilities, schools, and other groups aplenty. But, as statistics for depression and other mental afflictions (including those in children) continue to grow exponentially, the correlation between social media use and loneliness is nearly impossible to ignore.

A few indicators to survey:
1. More time spent with social media “friends” than in-person (or on a video call)
2. Trouble sleeping
3. Worsening mood or symptoms of anxiety or depression
4. Increased self-absorption/self-centered attitude or conversely, increased feelings of inadequacy of personal appearance or performance
5. Distractibility at work or school

Consider for a moment how you and your family might adopt a version of Lewis’s stance on social media. Whether you’re looking to pause or completely cleanse from the social media apps smothering your phone, weigh these possible benefits:

Break the social comparison cycle:
Theodore Roosevelt’s quote, “Comparison is the thief of joy,” is a timely reminder. Social media platforms are designed to measure fake popularity from posts/photos and elicit emotions from their users. Ditch the perpetual loop; you’ll feel happier.

Reconnect with the real world:
Continued social media use in mindless isolation can directly affect and enhance feelings of loneliness, and can even weaken the immune system. Take small steps to connect with people (and animals and nature, too) each day.

Take control of your priorities:
Time is a precious commodity, one of which app developers are well-aware. According to "The Social Dilemma," developers' main goals are to drive up your usage, use your influence to grow other users, and make as much money as possible from ads, none of which likely align with your list of priorities. Don't make social media the villain. How often do you wish you had more time? Calculate the slots of free time that could replace even one hour of your social media consumption — the possibilities are endless. 

Recommended Reads:
Family Social Standards from the Social Institute
"A World Without Email" by Cal Newport - coming soon
"Michael Lewis — Inside the Mind of the Iconic Writer," The Tim Ferriss Show Episode 427 (podcast or transcript available)

Please visit our Middle School Technology page for more technology topics as well as our Remote Learning Resources. Sign into usn.org, click on “Resources,” and select “Middle School Resources.” Then scroll to the “Middle School Technology Page.” As always, feel free to reach out to me.