My Social Media Vortex Robbed My Family

Social Media Stole Me From My Family

I lost myself somewhere between Twitter and Facebook. I don’t know when it happened but I know that my family noticed it before I did. They gave me multiple passes and I had excuses until I realized that I would end up in full panic mode when I noticed my battery was almost dead on my smartphone.I remember a time when a dead battery on your phone was cause for concern because you might need it if there was an emergency. Now I was worried because I might miss a tweet,a contact’s email, or a new facebook post that needed to be addressed.

In all reality I realized I was ADDICTED to Social Media.

The thing that was supposed to make my life easier.

I am a list person and to me a full Email Box is like having a “To Do” list with nothing checked off. I feel compelled to empty it as quickly as possible. I worry that if I don’t reply to an email right away that people will think I don’t take them seriously or value their contact. Simply, I worry all day about how everyone else perceives me. The thing I am not worrying about is the things I am missing out on. Watching a Movie with my family and seeing the whole thing, enjoying a meal without electronics present, taking in the sights while out and only taking pictures with my phone or I could even see everything without looking thru the lens of a camera.

The important question becomes, Why do I feel the need to be so connected?

It goes back to worry. I worry that my team won’t think I am pulling my weight. I worry that my friends will be mad that I didn’t like their status. I worry that I will out on an opportunity to network.

It is certainly clear I worry too much but I have never been unable to control it. For some not worrying is simply taking a step back but that brings me more worry. Honestly it leads to anxiety so bad that I end up spinning out of control. My anxiety is what has changed the course of my life back in 2009.

I suffered a break down and it took a long to get where I am today. I don’t think I will ever be where I was before the breakdown but I know that I need to stay stable for me, for my family, and for those that depend on me.

So I made a promise to myself and my family that I will be present and enjoy our moments together.

 It won’t be an easy step and it may mean I leave my phone at home or in the car when out but I will slowly find myself again and break free from the Worry and Fear that Social Media has over me. I even got a chance to take my new found freedom to the test when we went to an Art Fair this weekend. I used my phone for pictures instead of Social Media and enjoyed every minute of our time together.

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Topic: Social Media