Netflix's "The Social Dilemma" (Patreon)

Saturday, September 12th I announced that I was shutting down all social media except Patreon through the 21st. 

I've been struggling with health issues again, and it struck me as a good idea to give myself a break.

I have been unable to stop. I have continuously used four different apps/platforms. All while the tendonitis in my arm begs me to stop.

I had seen the poster and trailer for The Social Dilemma floating around for a while. 

Addiction and political power as it relates to Social Media is something I'm very interested in. If you haven't seen it already I also recommend The Great Hack.

For over a year I've been watching TedTalks, reading articles, and listening to podcasts about this subject. I've attended events and workshops too. As a result I've tried to limit the frequency in which I post content, but I'm still struggling with the mindless checking and re-checking for notifications. For validation, connection.

I figured this documentary wouldn't teach me anything new, but maybe it'd help bolster my conviction. I was right and wrong. It bolstered, and taught me new things.

This doc hits, and it hits hard.

What I especially liked that I've not seen elsewhere was a running  narrative about a family that struggles with their own usage. Right at the point of documentary-overwhelm, this narrative would circle back. It was very compelling, and surprisingly entertaining. Reminded me a lot horror/thrillers such as Cabin in the Woods.

Moving forward?

This documentary has helped me pinpoint that—yes—I'm being actively harmed by my own usage. I've experienced (and still experience) a noticeable uptick in Anxiety and Depression since I became addicted to social media, and especially my phone.

I don't think it makes sense to abandon ship until there's a viable alternative, but wow do I want to!

Absolutely It's not the people/readers, it's the system. The constant ads.
It's overuse, the pain in my arm. The hours wasted scrolling. 

It's the nagging feeling that I'm not good enough compared to the much-more-successful people Instagram so skillfully brings to my attention.

I don't have the answers yet. 

But both my partner and I feel that we have to do something to drastically limit our misuse.

Thanks for reading ^_^