THE ISOLATION OF SOCIAL MEDIA

The isolation of social media is apparent when we fall into a doom scroll, or go down a rabbit hole of the latest drama. When we finally “snap out of it,” we realize the time that’s passed, and the missed text messages from friends.

Breaking up with social media is hard, not just because it consumes so much of our day, but our life. Social media soothes, takes the edge off, lets you unwind after a long day at work, which sounds much like how we describe cigarettes, alcohol, and other various substances.

Like a toxic partner, social media keeps us from our friends and family, from our hobbies and passions. It doesn’t demand our attention, but it makes it irresistible.

We can delete the apps and go cold turkey, but I believe the way out is other people. It’s community. It’s relationships. Maybe that includes the Social Media Escape Club Zoom calls. Or maybe it’s joining a group on campus.

Whatever it looks like, it’s making eye contact and talking with other people just like you, to help you realize that you’re not weak, or stupid, or that you don’t have willpower.

We need to understand that lots of people get paid huge salaries to keep us coming back for more. The cure, though, is even more people who want to see us blossom.