Two months ago I made a decision.

It was not planned, but it was executed with much precision.

No longer connected by social media.

I have been set free.

No longer trapped viewing the life of others.

Social media no longer has the master key.

I plan to live my life to the best of my ability.

Not behind the screen as hours of scrolling pass me by.

Realizing that I have learned or achieved nothing.

This thought makes me question my actions, “why?”

Bound by the addiction of others views.

As I showcase my life as if it were the daily news.

Constantly repeating how I like my privacy.

But in reality I was simply lying to me.

You couldn’t tell by the way I’d share?

My location. A vacation.

Why did I feel the need for everyone to know?

To know my every destination. Was it to compare?

To let people know my life is not dull and that I’ve been somewhere?

First thing in the morning, I’d open up my screen.

Before I even prayed to the Lord, it was my daily routine.

That is when I realized this madness had to stop.

Social media became my bad habit.

A drug that I surely had to quit.

So one day, two months ago, I finally deleted it.

-Rose

Disconnected. I’m sure this will answer any questions as to why the social media links on my blog do not lead to anything. 😂 On February 13, 2021, after watching a documentary called “The Social Dilemma”, I was moved to finally delete all my social media accounts. This included Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (now known as “X”), and Snapchat. The Social Dilemma is about the “dangerous impact of social networking. It’s attempt to manipulate and influence.” I’m not against social media at all. I have seen positive ways it can help people. For example, selling items, finding a lost pet, connecting with friends or loved ones you have not seen in years. So don’t get me wrong, there is no hate against it.

Prior to deleting, I would find myself constantly deactivating my Facebook and Instagram accounts in order to allow myself time away from using it. I never really used Twitter because I found it confusing to navigate. I mainly used Snapchat to make silly photos, so those two weren’t too hard to disconnect from. When you deactivate your account it only makes your page hidden from others. All you have to do is log back in and your page is back up again. While in deactivation mode, I would also delete the app from my phone. I have done this so many times but found myself going right back to my addictive ways. Being so immersed in what was going on with others, posting my every move or every thought, venting, sharing my selfies just because I liked the way it looked. I felt cute so I wanted everyone else to see. Every second I found myself picking up my phone to see how many likes I received on a post. It was becoming toxic and draining for me. I found myself comparing my life to others, wasting a lot of precious time that could be spent with my children or growing personally by reading more books or learning something new.

There are some dangers that come with social media. For example, when I would post my location every time I went to gym this could leave space for someone with cruel intentions to simply show up and harm me. It has the potential to create stalkers and make it easier for them to know more about you due to the information shared on your page. Just because people are on your friends list, doesn’t mean they are real friends. I have added people that I didn’t know at all, but since we had a mutual friend I didn’t mind adding them. You just never know what type of doors you are opening to your life when you open up too much on a public platform like Facebook.

Today, the only forms of social media that I have is YouTube and now my blog 😁. There are times when I have to be aware of how much I am engaging with YouTube also. I do not have a YouTube channel or anything like that, but I have had moments where I’ve found myself binge watching reaction videos. I would literally sit for hours watching others react to songs they claimed they never heard before and explain their thoughts about the lyrics. Why was this so entertaining to me? I felt addicted again and wasted much time that could have been spent growing a closer relationship with God, or being an intentional friend by reaching out to others more. Since this year has begun, I have not been watching much YouTube. I want to grow more personally and in the direction of who God is calling me to be. Starting this blog is my first step and it feels good. I am doing something that I truly enjoy, instead of constantly being so consumed in the lives of others and remaining stagnant while they are living out their dreams.

There is so much life to be lived. There are so many people far from God that need to hear an encouraging word. Yes, I understand that Facebook and Instagram can be utilized to share God’s word. I used it that way before, but it just got to the point where I had issues separating my personal life from it at that time. I have no interest on creating another Facebook or Instagram account in the future. I have become content without having extra things vying for my attention. My life is much more peaceful. I am able to focus on what matters most to me, God, my family, and friends. There are other avenues that I can get God’s word out there. Like sharing my blog and speaking to people face to face. Social media has a way of making us connected but also disconnected. This generation struggles with speaking in person because they find it much more comforting to remain behind a screen. I see it played out in my oldest daughter’s life today.

If you have Facebook, Instagram, or others, please know there is no judgement from me. My decision is a personal one. There are people who have no issues at all separating their personal life from it and use it for great purposes.

✝️“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/eph.6.11.NLT