Social media is trying to get your attention. These giants have powerful algorithms to track your every move and figure out what makes you tick. They are also working on your children. They are actually controlling the information we see and changing our behaviors.
What are we to do?
The Social Dilemma
A documentary recently came out on Netflix called The Social Dilemma about this very problem. People who have been involved in the design and development of social media were interviewed to see what problems they see. The answers are quite shocking.
There is also a podcast with Joe Rogan and Tristan Harris (from The Social Dilemma) which discusses in more detail the pitfalls of our current systems both in the US and the world. I would highly recommend both.
An Illustration
Have you ever come across a car accident and slowed down to see what happened? In Minnesota we call it a ‘gawker’s slowdown’ because traffic slows down as people turn their heads to gawk.
The social media giants are taking this very natural behavior and working to put one ‘car accident’ (or something that will make you turn your head) after another in front of you. Their whole goal is to get you to look.
The Problem
Most of us are curious, and we sometimes peek at information or images online when we think no one is watching. But they are watching. They are recording your every move. They are trying to sell advertising so the more accurate picture of you they can sell, the better.
This becomes a problem when we are not getting an accurate or unbiased look at the world as we scroll online. We see a skewed version of events, based on what the algorithms think we want to see.
Even those not on social media are also affected. Those not connected are interacting with people and attitudes of those who are. It’s causing polarization like no other time in history. Unless you live on a mountaintop and grow your own food, the far-reaching effects are in your life.
Individuals can address this problem by changing their own behavior.
The Solution
To be part of the solution, we first need to be aware. No one is paying me to say this, but I suggest you watch the documentary.
Here are three questions to manage your time and life on social media.
1. What gets your attention?
Is it fear, gossip, or porn? Is it inspirational sayings, relaxation music, or healthy recipes? Whatever it is, pay attention! Face the reality of what causes you to turn your head. If it is something that is unhealthy for you, your family, or your community, you can be aware of the impact it is having and work to change it. If it something that is good for you, your family, or your community, you are helping not only yourself but humanity.
Of course, there are all kinds of grey areas and things we disagree are ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Let’s set that aside for another time. Right now, look inside yourself to see what gets your attention. Avoid the things that are bad for you and include more of that which is good.
2. How can you manage your social media diet?
Scrolling through social media is like consuming food. Too much junk food causes us to have an upset stomach. It is the same with social media. Too much upsetting information causes us to feel negative. Is your blood pressure going up simply because you are spending time on Facebook?
Controlling your time and use of social media is a good practice. Set a timer, discipline yourself not to mindlessly pick up your phone when you are waiting, or use an app to limit your use.
Just like mindlessly eating, we can mindlessly consume social media. Watch your diet.
3. What do you know about yourself?
Are you prone to lose track of time? Do you have difficulty saying no to yourself? Are there certain things that you need to stay away from because they lead you down a dangerous path?
Get real with the things you have difficulty handling. It could be that other people’s opinions have a disruptive influence on you. Instead of walking into that trap, find a way to walk around it or avoid it all together.