Social Media Clense

Not done it myself.

Maybe ask on Facebook/Twitter.

Thought this was going to be another Katrien miere requested Internet clense!

Rossman92 said:

Evening everyone. Recently I realized that social media has been totally dragging me down. Every time I'm on it I can't help but feel depressed and this has caused my stress level to skyrocket. With the exception of Charlton Life (as it does not have the same effect), I have decided to take a break from all of my major social media accounts until I can feel happy again. I'd just like to know, has anyone ever done this? And if so did it actually help?

Why though?

If you feel it's dragging you down, then I'm sure a break from it could be beneficial. I read a book a few years ago by a guy called Carl Honare called 'In Praise of Slow'. Basically, he talks about the fast paced nature of the society in which we live and how he feels that in some way we have gone backwards as a result.

I'm 28 and decided a couple of years ago to ditch smartphone. In December I was given an iPhone 6 for work and had to use it (no longer with that company but have an iPhone now anyway). I have Facebook, Twitter and email on it but don't receive notifications and actually very rarely check any of them. I'd like to encourage you if you feel it would be helpful. One of the key messages of In Praise of Slow is enjoying the journey and not being fixated with the destination. This can be taken literally. Taking my head out of social media and sitting back with my thoughts and gazing at what was around me became extremely therapeutic.

LargeAddick said:

Not on Facebook, not on Twitter, not doing me any harm.

Same here. Don't need to know who had what for breakfast.

Amazed that it's such a big part of people's lives.

I think it's important to know how to manage all your media, be it TV viewing or social. Use the tools the platforms offer to make sure you're receiving the information that works for you. I especially work hard at avoiding advertising.

Facebook lets you avoid people whose posts bother you (as mentioned above, switching off notifications helps too), although Twitter's different, which is why I never look at the main feed. Reddit is the best for seeing fun, shareable and even educational content without getting bogged down by negative stuff.

aliwibble said:

The thing I like about twitter is that you can allocate the people you follow into lists, so I can choose just to read tweets from close friends, or football stuff, or certain comedians, or the news channels. Means I can keep things to a manageable level if I'm busy, or things go bonkers for some reason.

Tweetdeck is a good tool for this. Completely changed the way I use Twitter.

Rossman92 said:

Chris_from_Sidcup said:

Rossman92 said:

Evening everyone. Recently I realized that social media has been totally dragging me down. Every time I'm on it I can't help but feel depressed and this has caused my stress level to skyrocket. With the exception of Charlton Life (as it does not have the same effect), I have decided to take a break from all of my major social media accounts until I can feel happy again. I'd just like to know, has anyone ever done this? And if so did it actually help?

Why though?

A combination of things. The horrific terrorist news I hear about every day. The Political campaign ongoing here in the states, girl trouble, and frankly, just people being ignorant and I need a break from it all

Terrorism and politics is just news though, not really a social media issue.

Ignorant people i can't vouch for but i'm assuming that to read what they've posted, they're your friends or acquaintances, in which case perhaps a better question would be, why are they your friends? If you don't like what certain people post, then delete them, don't need to delete your own profile.

Listen to Radio 4 or Radio London.

Not an option in the US but they have their own rhythm and unlike social media you aren't filtering it so you hear good, bad, funny, sad, interesting, different, boring stuff not just the people you follow on twitter etc.

Agree with SW16 on slow. Read a book, look out the window, watch the people, day dream, all music for the soul.

Anyone seen those Slow watches? Only have an hour hand as that's all you need. Must buy one.

Arsenetatters said:

not seen the slow watches - they sound good (or are you joking?)

I just looked £200, but the design is the bollocks

JessieAddick said:

JiMMy 85 said:

aliwibble said:

The thing I like about twitter is that you can allocate the people you follow into lists, so I can choose just to read tweets from close friends, or football stuff, or certain comedians, or the news channels. Means I can keep things to a manageable level if I'm busy, or things go bonkers for some reason.

Tweetdeck is a good tool for this. Completely changed the way I use Twitter.

Is Tweetdeck only a webpage now? I used the software a few years ago but uninstalled it due to some proxy issue (Twitter's blocked here) I wanted to use it again the other day but noticed it only has a webpage version?

I only know it as a plug-in for Chrome.

The Prince-e-Paul said:

Met wife through the site (she was living abroad) then closed account. The posts bored me then as they do still.

Bit harsh on ya wife! ;-)

i_b_b_o_r_g said:

Couldn't live without Facebook, how else am I gonna see shat me pals are having for diner

Instagram!

Arsenetatters said:

not seen the slow watches - they sound good (or are you joking?)

EastTerrace said:

Arsenetatters said:

not seen the slow watches - they sound good (or are you joking?)

I just looked £200, but the design is the bollocks

Yep, they are good.