Social media is ever-growing in popularity and use. People use it for many reasons and purposes. If we’re not careful, thought, it can quickly take over our lives and turn into something that prevents us from living life to the fullest. Here are some tips to keep social media a good thing and not something bad.
Filter out the Bad
There is too much negativity surrounding us to let it clog our news feed too. Unfollow, unfriend, or simply select “don’t show these posts” (if on Facebook) to clear out the negative clutter so you can focus on making social media a positive experience.
Increase the Good & Stay Positive
Ever heard the saying, “Be the good you want to see in the world?” It can be as simple as staying positive and encouraging with your posts. Try not to complain, whine, etc in your posts and instead use them to encourage, uplift, share something you’re grateful for, share an encouraging story, etc.
Encourage Others
Spend a few minutes scrolling through your feed and / or friends list to see if there’s anyone that you think could use a couple words of encouragement. It could be as simple as a heartfelt “Thinking of you! Hope you’re doing well!,” a sweet birthday message, “Happy Birthday to you! So thankful for your friendship!,” or a nice congratulations, condolence, or just a “Hello.” Simple things like that shows you care.
Connect Don’t Lurk
It’s called social media for a reason! It’s meant to connect with others, not stalk them 😉 All kidding aside, I know this is much easier said than done. If you tend to be an introvert (like me) it can be a struggle to take the step to actually start a conversation with someone and share what’s going on in your life.
Limit Time
Just because it can be something good, doesn’t mean you should spend all day on social media! As a blogger, it’s especially hard sometimes to make sure it isn’t taking up too much of my time. There are several apps and browser extensions to help with it if you want to go that route. Many of them will let you know how much time you’re spending on certain websites and even block access to them if you’ve reached your limit for the day.
Take a Break
Even with turning social media into a good thing, it’s still a good idea to take a step back sometimes. Taking a social media break can be incredibly refreshing. It also gives you a chance to put more thought into the ways you can be encouraging to those people who are actually around you in person – not just through a computer screen.
With these six suggestions social media can be a blessing in your life and be used to connect with and encourage friends and family. It can never replace in-person interaction, but it can be a powerful tool for keeping in touch with loved ones. Using it for good, limiting time, and stepping away once in awhile are keys to keeping social media from becoming a curse.
Great advice on limiting Social Media and keeping it under control! It can quickly be a place of competition and where feelings get hurt, but God can use it for His glory! I’m sharing this via Twitter today and know others will love this post as well. Have a wonderful day!
Thank you so much for sharing! I totally agree that God can definitely use social media for His glory. Thanks for visiting 🙂
I have decided to limit screen time as one of my monthly goals for the winter and see how it goes. I find that in the winter I tend to sit on my phone more often. I love your advice about spreading positivity online. I scroll through often and feel bad for friends who post sad or discouraging things but never think to take that second to post and make them feel better. Its hard online when they are not actually crying on your shoulder so to speak, but its really no different. I may add something to my goals to try to comment on negative posts- thanks for the suggestions!
I think it’s a great idea to try to limit screen time during the winter when it’s much easier to just sit in front of a screen. So glad you found the suggestions helpful. I’m glad you stopped by! 🙂
Oh man, twitter is my foe. I’m working on it. I try to mostly do my social media while I’m wasting time anyway….
Yeah Facebook is my problem.. it’s so easy to hop on and scroll through the news feed from my phone. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi! What a great post! This is something I have been dealing with more and more. Your advice is simple yet, very true. Thanks so much for this! Following via the #NiftyThriftySunday hop.
Hi, I’m so glad you liked it! Thanks for stopping by!
These are great tips! I have always had a love/hate relationship with social media and these help could tip it more to the “love” side 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
So glad you liked the tips! Social media is definitely something we have to be mindful of to keep it a positive experience. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
“Connect, don’t lurk.” Great advice (: Thanks for sharing.
Found you through Bowl Full of Lemons.
Glad you like it! Thanks for stopping by!
Limiting time is so much easier said than done!! This list is great thought!
These are all great tips, but the limiting time is the key one for me. I set a timer for each one so I don’t lose track with just one social media site. It’s easy to get caught up in it! haha
Thanks for sharing!