The social media community is a place for the brave. It is not a habitation for the light-hearted. In the last column, I announced a number of ways that social media is ruining our lives- precisely in the aspect of our emotional wellness. Because it is a big part of our lives, social media could be detrimental to our mental health, our body image and self-esteem, and even our sleep, according to experts.
Our capacity for effective and artful communication, including our social interactions, are also in deep jeopardy. That is a problem. Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) are, in particular, at higher risk of suffering from the incidence of uncontrolled use of social media.
With age comes perspective and wisdom. I have been through the “wrangles of social media”- the back and forth, and tit for tat arguments, the underserved insults and cyberbullying, including the conflicts and controversies that have characterized the online social communities.
I have been through them all. But I have been stronger by it.
Below are the top 7 (SEVEN) ways or strategies for managing social media use without getting burned.
- Have a Thick Skin: Social media is a jungle. It can fetch you a fortune. But it can also ruin you and your future absolutely. You must have a high degree of tolerance and the ability to stay the course- to endure. If you are a testy person who is easily aroused to anger by the things that are said by people, the social network is not for you.
- Learn to Ignore: There would be many times of destructive criticisms and attacks on your person. The best strategy for responding to this particular situation is ignoring naysayers. You will never win an argument with fools. Learn to ignore distractions. However, if you are going to respond, be tactful and diplomatic in the language and tone that you use.
- Use the Golden Rule: Treat everyone with kindness, dignity, and respect- the same ways that you would have them treat you. Treat other users with decency and respect even though you do not them or you do not agree with them. You can be assured that the same would be done to you.
- Mind Your Business: You are not supposed to be quiet all the time. Your silence serves no one. But neither are you supposed to be outspoken always. A balance is needed. There would be times when you only need to mind your own business and laugh at the follies of people and watch the public hang them. You win.
- Try and Limit your Social Media all through the day: The less of you may actually be better. It is actually not bad. You need not be online all day. But in fact, a reasonable amount of time or a fairly limited amount of time on Facebook and WhatsApp, for example, may be just ideal for you.
- Share Only Posts That Speak to Your Values and Needs: In online social communities, there’s plenty of stuff that users can take part in. However, psychologists have advised that we should focus on issues and activities that are unique to us. Choosing to use a few social networks rather than many, can be especially good.
- Engage More in One-On-One Conversation and Interaction, Rather Than in Group: The more persons and participants, the more likely there is going to be plenty of problems. If it isn’t in your interest, disengage from the talk, rather than exit. Psychologist Stephanie Lau has recommended we focus more on interpersonal communication rather more than on group conversation. Chat persons up privately and have a decent, clog-free conversation.
Social media has woven itself into the fabric of our lives, and although millions of us enjoy it, excessive and careless use of it has continued to affect us in so many consequential ways. Strategies are essential for managing the negative impacts of the use of social media on ourselves. We have to be smart about it, but we also have to be wise about it.