Ashlee, You put this into words in a really valuable way. I understand and agree. I have never really been into Tiktok or IG or some of the platforms, but FB can be a very distracting place. I took about a year off during the pandemic from using that, and as a Christian, I have grappled with the value of being a voice there at times. If I weren’t in a few groups for writers based there I might just stop using FB altogether. Substack has been more meaningful to me, and I have shared fellowship with some wonderful people. But I see the need for balance here as well. Our time and attention are gifts from God. I don’t want to miss His leading and calling by allowing anything to distract me in my walk with Him. To the pure all things are pure comes to mind, but you used the word idolatry appropriately. Anything that comes before our worship and commitment to Him becomes just that. Would you mind if I quote a few thoughts from your article in my chapter on addictive patterns (including internet use)?
Susan, I can’t thank you enough for your remarks on this post and I too have found better fellowship opportunities here on Substack as well. I appreciate this platform so much but I still try to balance as you mentioned. I’d be honored, if you did quote a few thoughts from the letter. Please share! ❤️
Thank you, Ashlee. I’ve written and read quite a bit on this topic but your words were meaningful to me. I’m always interested in hearing from people who are younger about how they have dealt with this aspect of life. I’m in my later 50s and appreciate how God has led you concerning this area. I really liked the quote you shared but couldn’t find anywhere who said it.
Thank you so much! It was a quote I heard in passing ironically while scrolling on Tiktok over a year ago. I’ll try to find the video for you Susan and share the link!
So well said, Ashlee! I’ve had to take my time away from social media in the last few years. Being on Substack is the most active I’ve been on any social media in a very long time. Looking forward to reading more of your work!
Amy thank you for sharing this, it’s good to know so many people are with me on this thought. I used to think I was being dramatic lool. I appreciate the compliments!
This was so interesting. I feel as though I had to learn to curate my feed so it is only stuff that feeds me well and then make it a rule to take a break a few days a week. I mostly schedule posts to go out weekly on all my platforms. Other than that, I go back and engage when I can. Thanks for recommending this post. Great reminder.
Been there, done that. And you couldn’t have said it better.
We should always find what suits us best.
You mentioned how the media can turn people into someone they don’t want to be, and I agree. It’s the same reason some people can’t even decide whether they should be regular members of these apps or not.
We easily forget that social media was always intended to be a tool, it's funny how nowadays the metaphoric carpenter can't separate himself from his hammer.
I read a book called Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport, and it really helped me. I’ve come to value real-time relationships; I’d rather call than text, and I’d rather meet face-to-face than talk over the phone. Making these changes made me realize that knowing where you’re meant to be brings the right people around you.
Ashlee, You put this into words in a really valuable way. I understand and agree. I have never really been into Tiktok or IG or some of the platforms, but FB can be a very distracting place. I took about a year off during the pandemic from using that, and as a Christian, I have grappled with the value of being a voice there at times. If I weren’t in a few groups for writers based there I might just stop using FB altogether. Substack has been more meaningful to me, and I have shared fellowship with some wonderful people. But I see the need for balance here as well. Our time and attention are gifts from God. I don’t want to miss His leading and calling by allowing anything to distract me in my walk with Him. To the pure all things are pure comes to mind, but you used the word idolatry appropriately. Anything that comes before our worship and commitment to Him becomes just that. Would you mind if I quote a few thoughts from your article in my chapter on addictive patterns (including internet use)?
Susan, I can’t thank you enough for your remarks on this post and I too have found better fellowship opportunities here on Substack as well. I appreciate this platform so much but I still try to balance as you mentioned. I’d be honored, if you did quote a few thoughts from the letter. Please share! ❤️
Thank you, Ashlee. I’ve written and read quite a bit on this topic but your words were meaningful to me. I’m always interested in hearing from people who are younger about how they have dealt with this aspect of life. I’m in my later 50s and appreciate how God has led you concerning this area. I really liked the quote you shared but couldn’t find anywhere who said it.
Thank you so much! It was a quote I heard in passing ironically while scrolling on Tiktok over a year ago. I’ll try to find the video for you Susan and share the link!
Thank you, Ashlee. I love seeing how God transforms lives when we allow Him to work within us. I appreciate connecting with you.
Likewise!🙏🏽
So well said, Ashlee! I’ve had to take my time away from social media in the last few years. Being on Substack is the most active I’ve been on any social media in a very long time. Looking forward to reading more of your work!
Amy thank you for sharing this, it’s good to know so many people are with me on this thought. I used to think I was being dramatic lool. I appreciate the compliments!
This was so interesting. I feel as though I had to learn to curate my feed so it is only stuff that feeds me well and then make it a rule to take a break a few days a week. I mostly schedule posts to go out weekly on all my platforms. Other than that, I go back and engage when I can. Thanks for recommending this post. Great reminder.
Thank you for reading Amber and sharing your methods for battling social media slumps. I appreciate that take!
You're welcome!
Been there, done that. And you couldn’t have said it better.
We should always find what suits us best.
You mentioned how the media can turn people into someone they don’t want to be, and I agree. It’s the same reason some people can’t even decide whether they should be regular members of these apps or not.
We easily forget that social media was always intended to be a tool, it's funny how nowadays the metaphoric carpenter can't separate himself from his hammer.
I read a book called Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport, and it really helped me. I’ve come to value real-time relationships; I’d rather call than text, and I’d rather meet face-to-face than talk over the phone. Making these changes made me realize that knowing where you’re meant to be brings the right people around you.
Thank you for commenting and sharing your thoughts on this post!
You couldn't have said it better! Most of society has lost the plot when it comes to media. That metaphor was spot on. I love it.
I made similar changes as well and it's made the quality of my relationships better.