Be The Boss Of Social Media

I was an adult before I got my first social media account but I'd grown up with friends who had them and hearing all the warnings about how toxic of a place the Internet was and how addicting it could be. So I went in to my Instagram account with VERY strict rules for myself. Six years later, I have learned a lot about regulating social media, making it an enjoyable place, and making it serve me, not the other way around.

My story with Instagram is long and varied but I can break down the top 5 things that have helped me continue to enjoy being on there after six years. Believe me, there have been many times I wanted to quit but that is usually when I realize I need to reevaluate what I'm doing and my relationship with the platform. These tips I'm about to share I learned from Instagram but can apply to any social media or similar platform. I will also say that these tips apply to your personal or small business accounts. If you work in managing social media or if you have requirements for your work account, then you have to deal with some things.

1. Only follow accounts that are encouraging. I'm not talking about blocking people you don't agree with or unfollowing because someone has a different opinion but rather choosing to follow accounts that lift you up and benefit your life.
2. Make defined times to be on. Pick designated times to be on your platform(s) of choice. I recommend checking in no more than three times a day. And the more times a day you choose to log on, the shorter amount of time I would spend on there each time. Most days I'm on in the morning for about 45 minutes, posting, interacting, etc and then IF I get back on another time it is to update my Stories and then I'm off.
3. Take scheduled breaks. I am off on the weekends after Friday morning and I take a month off at the start of each year. I know people who take time off in the summer to be more present with their kids while school is out and others who take a week or two off every few months. Whatever you decide, regular time away is hugely beneficial.
4. Keep notifications OFF. I'm guessing that the people you need to be in touch with quickly have your cell number and can use it. Keeping the notifications off means that you are deciding when you will interact. It also helps you keep to your defined times to be on.
5. Post what you want. Trying to please an algorithm is the quickest way to kill creativity and joy. For a long time, I was unable to make Reels but that was what the algorithm wanted. Well, I can't please it so I just said, "forget it!" and did what I wanted. People will tell you to post daily or even multiple times in a day and be super consistent and maybe that works but at what cost? If you're a small business, yes, you want exposure but don't sell your soul for it.

Social media can be a very nice place. I've made some good friends on there and I enjoy the way it can keep me connected to friends who are far away but it is a delicate balance. I believe that it is a tool meant to serve me and I am not meant to be a slave to it.

What practices do you have to control your social media?



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