So I went on a social media fast for Lent & want to write about it for my blog. But I've been messing around w/different writing formats (1)
— Shannon (@storiteller) April 10, 2016
And so thought it would be interesting (or maybe just annoying) to write it on social media itself. So here's what I learned during my fast:
— Shannon (@storiteller) April 10, 2016
1) I used social media very mindlessly. I was shocked at how often I felt compelled to check for "just a sec" and had to stop myself.
— Shannon (@storiteller) April 10, 2016
2) I had become a bit addicted to feedback, to where it was unconsciously feeding my anxiety. Not being able to check mentions or stats…
— Shannon (@storiteller) April 10, 2016
Was frustrating at 1st, but then freeing. It was possible for me to try new things (like link round ups) and live w/the uncertainty!
— Shannon (@storiteller) April 10, 2016
3) I genuinely missed my friends. As a parent of small children, there's no way I can hang out w/friends during the week.
— Shannon (@storiteller) April 10, 2016
I also have a lot of friends who are geographically distant. While it can be harmful, it also serves an important purpose in my life.
— Shannon (@storiteller) April 10, 2016
4) I can't turn off social media completely. I manage 2 FB pgs (for my bike advocacy group & my church), plus it's a major part of my job.
— Shannon (@storiteller) April 10, 2016
Despite the fast, I actually downloaded and played around w/ Snapchat and Periscope to prepare for a job interview.
— Shannon (@storiteller) April 10, 2016
5) So like my previous Lenten fasts from blogs, it was valuable to take an extended break from social media, but I'm not giving it up.
— Shannon (@storiteller) April 10, 2016
Finding the healthy role for social media was v. valuable. I'm on it a ton now, w/not much else to do while nursing, but I can put it down.
— Shannon (@storiteller) April 10, 2016
Like any good fast, it helped me break my negative habits associated w/ it, particularly an over-dependence on it for self-affirmation.
— Shannon (@storiteller) April 10, 2016
Have you ever fasted from social media? How did it go?
— Shannon (@storiteller) April 10, 2016