We have become too chatty on social media. We don’t think much before sharing our opinions. Maybe it is because we are isolated and are continually trying to fill hours in a day with a hot take? Or some random Instagram post? Or another TikTok. Or we are liking or arguing about something on Facebook. Why does everyone think they have to have an opinion about everything on social media? I have raised this question in the past, and I was reminded of that conundrum when reading Abby Gardner’s weekend newsletter, who argues for social media restraint.
I say this as a person some might call an oversharer, or perhaps a reformed oversharer. And I’m certainly not arguing everyone should sit back and stay silent about important matters, but, like, maybe think for two seconds about the situation before you shoot your hot take into the universe.
This is an excellent way to control yourself. When I used to write something controversial on my other blog, I always used to think about what mom will think when she read my words. And then I would get up, and go get a glass of water. That allowed me to be more tempered in the choice of words. Abby suggests that one can regain social sanity by unfollowing people who act as triggers.
Hitting unfollow did wonders for my sanity. You have to ask yourself why you’re sharing. Is it for your benefit or theirs? I think some of that same rational should apply to putting your thoughts out into the social media ether, along with your knowledge on a particular subject. But guess who’s waiting to hear where I stand on the issue on Twitter? Nobody.
We need to learn to be silent. I am trying really hard – but it’s not easy!
When I Met You in the Summer/Abby Gardner
June 27, 2020. San Francisco
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