Life Repurposed

Life Repurposed


Relation-Tips Part 4: Social Media Distancing

May 28, 2020

In this episode:

More than ever before, digital communication is a vital means of staying connected with others. But sometimes a little social media distancing is needed to preserve relationships when opinions burn hot, passion is ignited, and misinformation is abundant. Why not reclaim digital media for positive influence!

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Inspired Life
This is the last segment in my relation-tips series, and it has to do with our virtual relationships. During phrases of quarantine, shelter at home, social distancing, and more, it has become obvious how important these relationships are, but it has also become obvious how painful they can be. During this time, I have had to unplug more than ever before and yet I needed my friends more than ever before. It can be difficult to find a peaceful spot in the middle. Here are some things I have noticed about the online world in the last three months:

People will share anything if it fits their point of view.
People will say anything, even if they would never say it to another person’s face.
People will spiritualize a lot of opinions.
Drama is alive and well.
There are very real hurts out there and people need support.
Digital is not the same as in person, but we sometimes expect it to be.
This is an extrovert’s world. Introverts have long ago learned that if they are going to survive, they will have to bend to the introvert side of life and participate. But it doesn’t go the other way. Even for a short time, many extroverts have had a terrible time adjusting to a slower pace and fewer activities.
There is still kindness alive and well if we look for it.

So what do we do with that? There is a lot of negative there. I won’t even list all of it because you have seen it and you don’t need any more negativity!

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Life, Repurposed
We can repurpose even our digital communication for something that is much healthier than the norm.

Social media distancing. Social media doesn’t have to be our only source of digital communication. The telephone still works! Email still works. A video chat works. It doesn’t have to be all consumed from a platform that is heated and overwhelming. I have spent many days unplugged from social media in the last few months – for the sake of my mental health.

You CAN snooze someone by unfollowing for a period of time, especially when it means that you can preserve your love for that person. Distancing is sometimes needed.
It is ok to hold some people at arm’s length for most interaction and still show them grace and kindness when you do need to interact.

Reach out with kindness. You can distance from the negative without being absent from the interactions. Reach out in a message to someone (voice or ty...