Just like in real life, boundaries must be set in the cyber world. Even more so on social media in my opinion. So today we’re going to chat some of the best ways to set boundaries on social media.
Boundaries are meant to keep you safe.
These are meant to keep you safe in many ways. Boundaries protect your personal information and space, both physically and mentally. These are a necessary part of good self-care.
Social media can be a tricky place to navigate.
Almost everything and everyone exists in the cyber world now. That means the positive, inspiring folks are right alongside the debbie-downers. This space also gives way to the over-sharers and the a-bit-too-opinionated folks. As a result, it can feel like we are bombarded with information.
And unfortunately sometimes our friends and family fall into some of those downer categories too.
So, how do you create those healthy boundaries without shutting out the digital world? And also not offending anyone?
How to Set Boundaries on Social Media
Control the amount of stimulation you receive.
Set limits for how much time you spend on social media. For example, maybe you make your routine to check Facebook in the morning and then after work. The rest of the day you are social media free. Or another way to manage your time (because let’s face it, it’s easy to get sucked into the
“scroll”) is to only allow yourself on for five minutes at a time so many times a day.
Unfollow the negativity.
I get this one is a bit more tricky than the others but it is probably one of the most necessary.
Start with the media outlets. If you want to keep your exposure to negativity to a minimum then my first suggestion is to unfollow the news channels. Unfortunately, it is their job to post this stuff. Now, to be clear, this is not saying to never watch or read the news. But I don’t believe social media is the place to get the news from. Even if it’s an accurate article, being a social media post opens you up to get drawn into an unnecessary comment train. Don’t get drug down into that black hole.
Next is to go through your personal lists – friends and such. So, I get it, we all have that one person that we adore but they share way too much including their very negative thoughts. You don’t have to unfriend them but you do have the capability to unfollow them nowadays – do it! This keeps those sad-sack thoughts out of your feed.
Hold your tongue (typing fingers).
Speaking of those comment black holes…
You know how your mama taught you that if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all? That goes for online too. Sometimes, people, well we cause we’ve all done it, tend to have an extra boost of confidence when we are behind the screen. Don’t let this boost allow you to put your foot in your mouth. Feelings still get hurt, even if it’s virtual.
But if you get caught up in those opinion trains, check out this post for some tips (works for in-person too) – How to Set Boundaries with Very Opinionated People
Don’t judge yourself by likes.
We can fall really easily into the likes comparison trap…but don’t. You are worth much more than some likes online. This is a boundary that you have to set and enforce for yourself. Someone with 10,000 likes verses 10 likes is no greater. We all have a different story and a different level of engagement. Embrace these differences and whatever you do – be you, stay true to yourself, and love yourself unconditionally.
It will take some practice to set boundaries on social media. All new things do. Pick one to start with. I promise social media will start to feel like a friendlier place.
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This is very similar to what I wrote on the prompt. Having boundaries both on what we share and consume is so important I think.
I agree. I think folks get a little carried away on Social Media sometimes. I look forward to reading your post this morning!
I love this, and I agree! If I find that I’m following folks that don’t make me happy, and let’s say, every time I scroll past their post I get annoyed or upset, I click and unfollow them then and there.
I do have a bit more trouble on Facebook though, along family and friends. It’s a bit trickier for me to manage those social relationships, so I try to use it sparingly.
It is a bit trickier on Facebook. I was really happy when they came out with the unfollow option. This way I can stay friends with them on Facebook but not have their posts in my feed constantly. I’ll still go to their page once and a while just to make sure I stay caught up a bit but with this routine, I’m not caught off guard with it popping into my feed.
Unfollowing the negativity is the rule I live by. I’m awfully bad at not getting sucked in by mindless scrolling a lot of the time.
That’s a good rule to have, in all areas of our lives! I can get sucked into the scrolling too. I find counting helps. It may be silly but I’ll allow myself x amount of scrolls so I don’t get too sucked in.
I’ve definitely learned when to engage and when to scroll past on social media. Sometimes I can help by getting into a Facebook argument (pretty much always when supporting survivors of sexual assault), but usually it’s just a waste of my time and energy.
Yeah, unfortunately, it can be wasted time and energy. Every now and then though it is a healthy debate and someone’s mind will be opened.
P.S. Kudos to you for standing up for what is right and true to you! I love that about you!