A few years back I quit logging into Facebook. It’s literally one of the best decisions I ever made in life. I mean that in serious honesty.
I’ve considered doing the same for Twitter, but I’ve ended up making judicious use of “unfollow” and “mute” functions instead. I don’t equate my social media with friendship, and have regularly unfollowed/muted people I care very deeply about.
You’ve also probably read the story where Aziz Ansari quit the internet.
I’m not advocating removing yourself from the internet, but I want to make a point.
Why do you log on?
Have you ever asked yourself this question?
Why do I log onto the internet?
Or,
Why do I check Social Media?
If you haven’t – start today. I’m literally advocating that you make a list of reasons you push the icon on your screen. At the very least, you should know why you do what you do.
Social Media’s Purpose
If you’re not aware by now, social media’s entire existence is predicated on advertising to you. It isn’t actually free – you pay with your time and attention. I believe, and Facebook believes, that this is more valuable than your money. They convert this currency into cash every day.
Some advertising is educational, some is entertainment, some is trash. All advertising is literally designed (even mine) to make you think about what you’re lacking and how you’re incomplete.
You know when you see a picture of someone doing something cool online? That is designed (perhaps unintentionally) to generate one of two responses from you – oh hey that’s awesome, good for you! or I’m really lame in comparison. Either way it’s still advertising, and a reminder of what you could be doing.
Same goes for any ad you see on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or TV – all designed to make you feel, or recognize that you are, incomplete.
Whether you like it or not, you and I are easily manipulated. This power can be used for good or evil. You won’t even know what hit you either way.
You lack nothing.
The shame I find in the above is this:
You literally lack nothing.
Everything in digital media will try to tell you otherwise. Copy on my site is designed to tell you otherwise, for your own benefit! (Yes, I do actually want you to learn to program or save a bunch of time)
But the honest to God truth is truly the exact opposite.
We’re not in a race to see who can come up with the coolest picture, the best possessions, the most mind-blowing stories, or the best list of credits.
You need to assess where you are at, and decide what you need to cut out – where the world is trying to convince you that you are worthless or not good enough. Because it simply isn’t true.
I say this, because I’m legitimately concerned with your mental and emotional health.
You were born with incredible worth, and you are so much closer to accomplishing anything you want than you could ever imagine.
If you need me to really convince you of that – get in touch. @adamtcroft
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