Choosing Less Noise, More Presence

Do you remember MySpace? It came out in 2003.It looks like it’s still around, from what I gather. I thought it was exciting when it came out, and you can connect with your friends and make new friends. Then Facebook launched in 2004 and went public in 2006, and pretty much took over MySpace. Then, in 2006, Twitter, now known as X, came out. Instagram launched in 2010, and many other social media platforms have helped shape the internet.

When Social Media first came out, it was a great place to connect, reconnect, and make new friends.I have reconnected and made a couple of new dear friends. It was a great way to post something for your friends once and reach out to them all at once. I really enjoyed being on social media, until….

It has become more like a loud advertisement platform, crowding out my friends’ voices.

And the mindless scrolling, which I have been caught up in, too. I would watch a cute animal video, and it would lead to another, and before I knew it, one, two, or three hours had gone by.Isn’t that crazy?Has that happened to you, too?

There’s an overload of information about health, parenting, and gardening, to name a few, some of which has been truly helpful, but there is so much because everyone is trying to share their voice.

Also, it seems like it has become an addiction to many, and it has hindered the young generation from understanding what a real in-person conversation is, and their social skills are very lacking, which is a concern I heard from a school psychologist when I worked for the school district.

And followers, some of whom made it about numbers rather than about just being connected and real.

I have read from individuals with businesses, services, or products who want to reach people who spend so many hours on social media trying to get their stuff out there and be known, and it becomes a stress factor for them.

It’s so sad when families are sitting together in a family room, the TV is on, and you look around, and everyone’s faces are glued to their phones.I miss the connection that we had before media scrolling on phones.

Brain Health

I read that Dr. Caroline Leaf, a neuroscientist, has frequently stated that the average person today encounters more information in 24 hours than people in the 1970s absorbed in an entire month. Isn’t that crazy?

Also, I have found that talking to others who have found that, at times, after scrolling on the internet, there is a sense of anxiety. An overload of information that the brain is trying to process. I have read testimonies from people who stepped away from social media and found themselves calmer and less anxious.

Lies or Truth

Now with AI, it’s a blessing and a curse. It’s great for some information, but it feels like taking over in other areas. It can also be used to distort the truth about people and information. And the news: I don’t listen to the news, but so much news stuff on a platform made for socialization, not news broadcasting.

Taking a big breath

I want to limit internet distractions and saturate my mind with God’s Word and teachings. Have more control over what information I receive and not have to dodge information I don’t care for.

It was short and sweet.

Honesty: I do miss what social platforms were like when I first started connecting with people. Back in the day, before it was an app for the phone. You got on your computer when you had a moment, checked what your friends were doing, posted something you wanted to share, and were off and moving on with your day. And when the apps were first introduced on your phone, you saw your friends, not many advertisements, and fewer distractions to keep you on for very long.

There are those who know how to balance it.

Some of my friends on the platform know how to balance it and use it wisely for ministry, for whatever they are offering, and for connecting with people, and some are stepping back from social media, too. Some have let the platform become a higher priority than their relationship with their Lord.

What is the Lord leading you to do with the social media platforms?

He may be leading you to use them as tools to get your message and service out there, bringing glory to Him. He may ask you to step back for a season. He may ask you to close the accounts. Whatever He is asking, I encourage you to do so.

I don’t think the platforms are bad, but they have been used in unhealthy ways, have censored people in the past, and people have used their words unkindly. I also do believe these platforms can be used for God’s glory by His leading.

And maybe in a few months, or in a year or so,  I might utilize them more again. I am not deleting them and will check out my personal ones occasionally.

Well, I love you, my friend, and I appreciate your time and friendship. You are welcome to reach out to me at HeartTalkswithKristi@gmail.com.  You have an amazing, blessed day. ♥