My friend Joel quit social media a few years ago. Cold turkey. He was in his early 30s and saw it taking him down a hole he didn’t want to go of endless scrolling, comparison (the thief of joy), and oversharing. He seems happier for it. And he inspired me to finally try the same.
So I did it. Kind of.
I got Facebook, Twitter (X, whatever), and Instagram out of my life (Tik Tok was already out). The power three. I took it to our “big tech” overlords and hung it up after using their services for all of my adult life. I don’t think they’ve noticed.
Then you start looking around and realizing that “social media” is sort of what the internet mostly is. And, upon further review, I realized that I wouldn’t want to get rid of:
Substack (because, I mean, ::gestures at the digital space we are in::)
Flickr (where else will I find full-resolution photos of my kids 10 years from now without this online archive?!)
Reddit (I do want the opinions of the masses)
YouTube (Let’s not get crazy here… even Joel hasn’t given up YouTube!)
LinkedIn (where else would we go to platform our synergies?!)
And on the list goes. I could never quite get on my Gary V social-media-influencer grind. Maybe saying goodbye to the “power three” social platforms is giving up on that aspect of it. I don’t know. I miss Facebook marketplace.
23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
To the new subscribers: I have no idea how you’ve gotten here, but welcome, welcome, welcome. Thanks for being here. Don’t hesitate to send me an e-mail.
Our family continues to settle into life in Eugene, Oregon! July will mark a full year here. I want to share a few photos of Declan doing flag football recently. I did not know watching our kids grow up would be this sweet.
Be well everyone and enjoy the rest of your spring. Summer will be here soon!