No Social Media Challenge: Reflection

Since I have been back on social media, I have noticed many changes in my routine. Last week, I interacted more with my family. Even the first day I was back to the Pinterest world, I was more disconnected with those around me. Only did I recognize the strength of this disconnection when I returned to social media. I had grown used to the idea of being aware of those around me, but it was almost too easy to revert back to my old habits. As a result, I have resolved to use social media for its original purpose; therefore, I will try to only access social media in a way that does not distract from the moment. 
This challenge has been good for me. I have enjoyed taking a social media fast in order to experience the joy of simply living. I was able to attend an event without worrying about taking a perfect picture for Instagram or for my Snapchat story. 
On a similar note, the first Instagram post I made after this challenge was complete was a "Senior Sunday" post. I found myself checking my notifications every thirty seconds to see if any one new liked my post yet. 
"Isn't this exact behavior the reason I did that challenge?" I asked myself.
"Why, it is indeed!" I responded. 
What was the point of this whole challenge? If I only don't care about my social media for a week, what good does it do? 
I would like to encourage everyone, myself included, to take this journey to the next level. No, I'm not going to completely fast from social media again for at least a little while, but that doesn't mean I can't live out the purpose of this challenge. 

When I make a post, I will try to not worry about how many likes it gets. I won't stress myself over taking an amazing selfie to share with my friends. My identity is not found in social media. Your identity is not found in social media. 
Take a deep breath. It's okay to have a less than perfect Snapchat story, or even not have one at all. Just relax and have fun with it. Use it to deepen your existing relationships. Social media can be fun when used correctly. It is unfortunate that so many people choose to use it incorrectly these days. 
What are some ways you will experience life rather than your what social media tells you is life? Leave a comment to share your thoughts. 

For Further Reading...

If you have enjoyed learning more about how the internet is affecting its users or have further questions, check out these links! :)

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2008/07/is-google-making-us-stupid/306868/
This article was written in order to bring to light the problem our culture faces with the internet. The author argues that reading is declining in popularity. 

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2008/feb/07/internet.literacy
This article gives the counterargument to the previous article. Very interesting read.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/05/style/modern-love-my-so-called-instagram-life.html
This article inspired me to check how my social media life differs from my "real" life. It is very inspiring and hits close to home to others who face similar problems.

With a JSTOR account and a free, easy download, you can read these articles, as well. 

http://ezproxy.missouriwestern.edu:2100/stable/10.7249/j.ctt4cgd90.15?
This is insightful to how other countries are affected by the internet.

http://ezproxy.missouriwestern.edu:2100/stable/j.ctt1qnw88r.8?
This work offers insight into how prevalent social media has become in the world and how it will continue to persist as the younger generations continue to use this form of communication.

I read each of these before I began work on my blog, and they have been very beneficial throughout this entire journey.

How Should We Spend Our Time?

That sure was a fun ride! I am very glad I had the opportunity to cut social media out of my life this past week. I hope you all enjoyed this as much as I did. 
One thing I noticed is that I have been in a more positive and productive mood. Those of you who have followed my posts from the beginning have seen a lot of what I've accomplished and the adventures I've had (this blog being an adventure itself). The biggest achievement of this week would be that I was able to carve for myself an identity exclusive of my social media accounts. We as a society put too much effort into making our Instagram accounts "perfect."
Time is an important aspect of our lives. Without time, we could not exist. We desire more of it, but we waste so much on social media. Since I started this challenge, I noticed I wasted less time on meaningless activities. The bulk of my time was spent with friends and family, and I completed several important tasks. 
I got the chance to catch up on my reading. Books take us on adventures we could never encounter in this world. They help us escape and put our minds at peace. If all our time was wasted on social media, we would never experience the magic of reading a novel.

In a previous post, I listed five replacements to social media. I'm going to provide five more because I can. :)
1. Clean/organize. When you have an extra ten or fifteen minutes, you can spend your time tidying up your desk or reorganizing your sock drawer. 
2. Play with a pet. This is a great way to relieve stress. Plus, it's good for your pet (chances are he'll sleep better, too!).
3. Start a journal. As someone who loves to write, a journal (or any piece of paper) is a staple in my life. You don't have to carry around a notebook everywhere you go, but it's nice to put your thoughts on paper, even if it's just on a napkin. 
4. Watch a sunset/sunrise. Or any part of creation, for that matter. As cliche as this may sound, nature is beautiful. We as humans are amazed by nature and science. Sunsets and sunrises exist for our enjoyment.
5. Exercise or play a sport. I personally do not do much of this, but I probably should. A lot of my friends like playing sports and jogging laps at a gym. 
Can you think of other ways to spend your time that don't revolve around your screen? Comment below! :):)

Day Seven: Adventure

I can hardly believe this is my final day without social media. It sure has been an adventure! Today has been full of excitement with a lot of family in town. When we all get together, our time is more enjoyable without social media being at the center of conversation. I wasn't distracted by Instagram or Snapchat notifications and was able to simply appreciate their company.
The funny thing about life is that an adventure can happen without going anywhere. Celebrating my cousin's graduation today can be considered an adventure. Cleaning your house can be an adventure, as well as shopping for a Christmas present or even simply picking up a book. 
We as humans always dream about going on adventures to far away places, but we miss the adventures we encounter every day.
Disney Pixar's movie Up is a great example of adventure. Ellie always wanted to go to Paradise Falls, but she was never able to. However, she never felt adventure-deprived. She wrote as a final note to her husband, "Thanks for the adventure-now go have a new one!" 
I am going to provide a list of five adventures I've had this week.
1. Baking cookies. I made a double batch to bring to my friends. Baking is always an adventure because you have to be prepared for the unexpected. You could forget to set the timer and the cookies could burn, or you could add a cup of salt instead of sugar. (No, I didn't do this, but I know people who have. We bakers must be careful.)
2. Math class. Oh, my math class is always an adventure, especially as we prepare for finals next week. As we review, we've run into many problems we have been unable to solve as a group, but we manage to figure them out in the end. 
3. Cotillion meeting. As I mentioned in a previous post, I had the honor of attending an event to be recognized for achievement with many other young people in the community. This was definitely an adventure as I got to meet new people and enjoy their company.
4. My family. All week, my family has been going on an adventure together. I would like to call this adventure life. Whatever happens, through all the ups and downs, the good days and the bad, we are in it together. I am so grateful to be able to say that my family members are my adventure companions, especially as many extended family members have been in town.
5. Giving up social media. Boy, has this been an adventure. I am very glad I went through this adventure, and I appreciate all the support from friends and family. I believe this adventure has truly brought be closer to them and given me a deeper appreciation of life.
These five things (especially the last one) would not have been as exciting with social media. I was able to enjoy the moments for what they were rather than worrying about what to post on my Snapchat story. Life is beautiful, and social media can distract from that beauty.
What are some adventures you've had? Share your thoughts below. :)

Day Six: Life to the Fullest

Wow, I can hardly believe it's already been six days since I started my social media fast! Today was rather productive. I went to the gas station, I helped my mom pick out a graduation gift for my cousin, I made supper, I got to hold a little baby, and I played with my dog. The last two of that list (baby and dog) have caused me to think about the importance of life. The world is an amazing place filled with beautiful things. Babies only care about receiving love. They know little about the social media community, yet they don't miss it. Animals, too, do not have access to social media, and they often seem to be more content with their lives than we are. 
What about the people who lived before social media was invented? They didn't sit around all day hoping someone would like their photo. They spent their free time with their family and friends. I read in my psychology textbook that depression is now more of an issue than ever before. Many psychologists believe this to be a result of a disconnection with family and friends that didn't exist before. I believe that disconnection to be a result of social media. 
As I mentioned in previous posts, I have noticed myself spending more time my family since I gave up social media. The little things around me have become the things that are most important. A rose in your own backyard may be overlooked, but it can brighten your day when you allow for the beauty of creation to leave you in awe. Living life to the fullest entails that you appreciate what some take for granted.
How are you going to live today to the fullest extent? Comment below to share your ideas! 

Day Five: Opportunity

These past five days have been filled with opportunity. I baked cookies yesterday, and I got to share them with my friends today. A friend I hadn't seen for a while showed up when my brother came back to town. My family decorated the house for Christmas. While these events could take place with social media present, they are much more memberable when you place your phone out of sight to soak up the joy of those around you. 

We often look at opportunities as a burden. Look at the differences in these two phrases.

"I have to eat lunch with my mom."

"I get to eat lunch with my mom."

Which sounds more appealing? 

When we put down our phones and open our minds, we see a whole new world of possibility. We stumble across opportunities we never knew existed. Things that seem small and insignificant can become beautiful. As mid-nineteenth century poet Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting."

Social media often hinders us from seeing the beauty in our world. We have been given countless wonders we take for granted, such as a loving family, encouraging friends, and even the air we breathe. Soaking all this in can be relieving. Ignoring it can be harmful. 

You don't always have to seek out opportunity; it will find you if you are willing to accept it. It can be as simple as the opportunity to express gratitude, enjoy the presence of your pets, or see the stars in the midnight sky.

I want to challenge you all to embrace the opportunity placed before you rather than run from it. Let me know what opportunities you've been given recently.

Day Four: Is Social Media the Silent Killer?

Social media is ruining the lives of teenagers across the world, whether they realize it or not. When an acquaintance posts a picture at a party surrounded by other laughing, physically beautiful people, the person not invited may feel down. She finds herself comparing every aspect of her life to that picture. She may tell herself that her hair isn't as pretty or her face is abnormally proportioned based on the girls at the party. She may base her social life on the fact that she doesn't regularly attend that type of party. 

What she fails to realize is that the girl who made the post is not content with her own life, either. Perhaps she uses these parties and a lot of makeup to cover the fact that she feels disconnected from her own family. 
This form of communication has become a veil to hide behind. Its users trick others into thinking they have it all together, and others feel like they will never measure up to the social pressures of perfection.
If this is you, I want you to know that no one is perfect. Not even the person who always seems happy with a lot of followers and always seems to be at social gatherings. 
Another way social media could be ruining a teenager's life is through cyber bullying. This is a real thing, I promise. Many people feel more comfortable behind a screen, and therefore they tend to say every thought that crosses their mind. They don't have to see the other person's reaction, and they won't experience the guilt that follows it. Cyber bullying can destroy the reputations of both parties involved (the bully and the victim). 
Now, social media doesn't have to be all bad. It can and does connect us with family living on the other side of the country. It helps us share vacation photos with everyone at the same time instead of pulling out an album to show all your friends what a great time you had. 
What are other ways that social media is hurting teenagers? Let me know what you think. :)

Day Three: Positives and Negatives

Since I gave up social media, I have encountered several positives and negatives. There are good and bad aspects in everything, such as eating Chinese food. I love the taste in the moment, but afterwards, I often get a stomach ache. Another example could be having a dog. Whether there are more positives or negatives is debatable. I find them to be fun to have around but time-consuming and expensive to take care of. 
Here is a list of five POSITIVES about giving up social media.
1. Time. This is a big one. As previously mentioned, instead of holding my phone all the time, I'm busy doing things, such as helping my family decorate for Christmas or working on homework. I find myself planning more things to do in the afternoon rather than just telling myself that I'll be on Pinterest until I go to bed. 
2. More time with family. This could be considered a sub-group of time. Instead of hiding in my room all day scrolling through Pinterest, I've been hanging out in the living room socializing. I have, believe it or not, enjoyed being with my family. I know I've mentioned this one in previous posts, but it is probably the most important thing I've accomplished through this challenge so far.
3. Focus. When I'm going about my everyday activities, I find myself getting distracted by (yep, you guessed it) Pinterest. This week, I've been thinking more about the tasks at hand rather than dreaming about that perfect house or the most beautiful wedding I've planned on Pinterest. 
4. Deeper connection with those around me. Instead of spending "down time" on social media, I have been making conversation with the person sitting next to me. I have gotten to know the people I see every day on a deeper level than just a simple, "Hi, how are you?" "I'm good, and you?"
5. Thinking for myself. Rather than forming my opinions about an event, group of people, or individual based on the way others view them on social media, I have been able to manufacture my own thoughts. Though it might not be what everyone else is doing, it is freeing to have the chance to think for myself.

Now I'm going to give you four NEGATIVES.
1. No easily accessible communication. While I have been able to communicate with those who are face-to-face with me much better than before, it has been much more difficult to contact and make plans with people I don't see very often.

2. Out of the loop. When everyone else is talking about that awesome picture Sally posted on Instagram, I feel very uninformed. Those around me are shocked I haven't yet seen it.
3. No Pinterest recipes. If you haven't already figured this out, Pinterest is my favorite. Without it, cooking and baking is more difficult. I don't have access to every recipe known to mankind at the touch of a finger. Instead, I have to use either my memory or a cookbook.
4. Strong temptation. Though I am mostly enjoying this endeavor, I am still finding it difficult not to open Pinterest on my computer or sneak a peak on Facebook or Instagram.

What are some positives and negatives you encounter from social media? Leave a comment to let me know your thoughts.

Day Two: Gratitude

Day two of my no social media challenge has been quite successful. I have had many reasons to be grateful through out the day. You can read the list at the bottom of the post. Before I begin, I would like to stress how important it is to tell the people in your life how much you appreciate them and the reasons you are grateful for them. It can turn someone's day from bad to good. All it takes is for you to take ten seconds to say, "I'm glad you're in my life. Your smile just brightens my day!" 
When someone gives me encouragement, not only does it make me feel good in the moment, but it also gives me a confidence to continue doing whatever they complimented. People often feel like the small things they do go unnoticed, and when another person compliments them, their desire to do good is intensified. We as human beings are social creatures by nature. We want people to notice us. Take a moment today to thank a janitor at a local grocery store or the mechanic at your workplace.
Today, I had many things to be grateful for. 
1. I had the opportunity to go ice skating with many of my friends. Through this endeavor, I was able to relax and enjoy my time rather than worrying about what filter I was going to use on the picture I posted. I believe that both myself and my friends benefitted from this time.

2. I got to eat lunch with a very dear friend, and we had very good conversations. In the moment, neither of us had to worry about what was happening in the internet world. We were focused on each other and making the most of the time spent together.
3. Though I am currently unable to play my instrument due to a hand injury, I am still able to enjoy the wonders music brings. The beautiful thing about the musical world is that anyone can become involved and anyone can delight in the story the songs and pieces tell. 

4. However silly this may sound, I am very grateful that I was able to eat today. I'm so blessed that I never have to worry about when my next meal will be. Instead of asking "When will we eat?" I ask "What will we eat?"
5. My family is awesome. I often take for granted just how amazing these people are. They are always there for me whenever I need them. Even though we may get on each other's nerves, at the end of the day, we still love each other. They keep life interesting, and they give me a motivation to experience life to the fullest
What are some things you are grateful for today? Let me know in the comments!

No Social Media Challenge Day One: Happiness in Achievement

Today was the first day of my no social media challenge, and I would say it was very successful. I accomplished many things that have brought me closer to those around me. I had the honor of attending an event to be recognized with fifteen other young people in the community for outstanding achievement, and I was able to have good conversations with several people through this event. 
Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, once said, "Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort." 
This quote has been on my mind a lot today, and I believe it is true. Many people in the modern American culture are dissatisfied with their lives. People place more emphasis on "achieving" a lot of followers on their Instagram account than "achieving" satisfying relationships with those around them. Togetherness is important, and we can do amazing things when we are with those we love. Conversation has value, and a true friendship can be considered an outstanding accomplishment.
Achievement can even be found in small things, such as keeping your home clean and tidy, making a delicious meal for your family, or even having a much needed talk while transporting your kids to an event across town. 
Social media is not necessary in fulfilling the above activities. It can even be dangerous in some circumstances. Today, I was challenged to engage with those around me rather than with those on my phone. I may have lost my Snapchat streaks, but the love for others I gained through this experience will never die.

Spending Time Wisely: Every Second Counts

A recent Google search and a lot of time with my calculator has led me to discover some interesting internet statistics. A little more than half the world's population, about 51%, would consider themselves to be active internet users. If there is almost 7.5 billion people in the world, and the average user spends 2 hours every day on social media, that would mathematically work out to over 800 thousand years of social media EACH DAY. That means that you alone will spend 150 days on social media over a time of 5 years.
Now imagine what would happen if we all reduced the time to even one hour a day. Another 400 thousand years could be spent volunteering at a local food kitchen, helping an elderly neighbor rake her leaves, or simply spending time with family and friends. People can accomplish amazing things when they take an hour, or even a minute, to do something kind for someone. Every second is important when it comes to showing that you care.

I've found myself neglecting several opportunities to do something for the betterment of those around me through my use of social media, mostly because of the time I waste on my phone. I feel more comfortable hiding behind a screen when a person right in front of me is in need of my help, and I know I'm not the only one, as I have been on both sides of this scenario. We need to be more aware of the hurt around us, because life is hard. However, it can be much less burdensome if we were willing to offer our assistance and share our problems.
Imagine what a better place the world would be if we stopped fretting over how many times people double tap our Instagram photos and instead focus on spreading love, generosity, and gratitude to those around us. Take a moment to say "thank you" when someone does something kind for you, however small it may seem. It's the little things that truly count. 
What are some ways YOU can make a difference today? Let me know what you will do to show the world love and joy. 

Five Replacements of Social Media

Hey, guys! First, I would like to express my gratitude for everyone who took time to view and comment on my post yesterday. You are all awesome. With everyone in the Christmas spirit, expressing thanks is a great way to spread cheer.

As mentioned in my previous post, I hope to gain  a new appreciation for the world around me as I give up social media for a week. Christmas is a time of generosity and love, and through this challenge, I hope both of these attributes will become more prevalent in my life.
With Thanksgiving not too far behind us, I have also been focused on gratitude. I am grateful for the time I spent as a child without social media. I spent most of my life reading or coloring during my free time rather than scrolling through Twitter or Facebook. Those years shaped me into the person I am today. Going back to that part of my life will hopefully remind me of the activities I once enjoyed.
I have compiled a list of FIVE activities we can do instead of messing with our phones.
1. Read a good book. This could be a book you loved as a child or a new book recommended by a friend.
2. Draw a picture/color. While I have never been much of an artist, I have always enjoyed coloring books. As I have grown older, I have invested in several adult coloring books.
3. Get your family and friends together to play board games/card games. This is a great way to socialize and make many great new memories with those you care about.
4. Learn to play a musical instrument. I personally love playing my flute. It is a great way to relax and meet new people.
5. Cook or bake. Who doesn't love brownies or a yummy lasagna? Cooking not only gives you something to do, but also something you can share with others. We all need to eat, and the process is much more enjoyable when the food was prepared with love.
What are some other ways you can think of to spend your free time that doesn't require social media?

Challenge: A Week Without Social Media

Many people have found themselves immersed in their phones while life zooms by. I'm not trying to point fingers; I am guilty of this as well. We as a people, the internet users of the world, have failed to notice the surroundings in which we put ourselves. A beautiful sunset is overlooked when we are instead focused on taking the perfect picture for our Instagram followers. While that is not a bad thing, it can become harmful when that is all we care about, when we spend all our time online.
People watch their child's solo in the school play through a phone. They focus on the recording for Facebook rather than encouraging their kid. A picture of the mountains becomes more important than traveling. Stalking a celebrity is more appealing than listening to your best friend talk about her day.
In social settings, I often notice that everyone is on their phones, sometimes texting the person right beside them. The only interactions that occur are showing the group a funny meme or an interesting video. We hide behind our screens instead of actually communicating. 
As a result, I am going to partake in a challenge to go an entire week without social media starting on December 10, 2017. I am very excited to see where this challenge will take me. I aspire to attain a new appreciation for life through this journey, and I encourage others to join me. 
This means no Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, Twitter, or any other forms of online communication! We can do it!