An Alternative to Quitting Social Media

Editors are not the only people that can curate your feed.

I usually proclaim to ditch social media altogether in order to escape the time consuming and destructive algorithms. And although social media can become a severe problem for some of its users, deleting all accounts can seem like overkill. Luckily, there is another option available for users: curation.

Usually, the algorithms of social networks are pursuing the goal of increasing the time spent on their platforms. They achieve this by promoting extreme conspiracy content, which is receiving up to four times more views, compared to posts from credible sources. Relying on the algorithm may, therefore, not be the best idea for your mental health.

But, the social networks’ suggested posts are only exactly that: suggestions. We don’t have to consume the content the platforms want us to consume. Instead, we can largely curate our very own feeds. It’s a possibility which many of us are already using. Yet, we also have to take on the responsibility such a feature brings with it.

If we are curating our own feeds, we also have to be a picky curator. After all, we are the audience that is served to, and we certainly only deserve the best content. Social media can spark your inspiration and creativity. It can connect you with friends and soulmates or keep you up to date with the Kardashians. But it can also be an hourly pit stop, designed to fuel your self-doubt and insecurities. Once you know which function social media should fulfill for you, we can start with the curation process.

Unfollow

Unfollow the people that are increasing your anxiety, faking a lifestyle to promote themselves, or are only trying to sell you their new courses. Your attention is limited, and there is no reason to sacrifice it for such people while fueling your insecurities. Instead, make it more relational. Connect with people similar to you. If you are starting as a writer, look for other writers and social groups, instead of only following those who seem accomplished but can’t offer you any inspiration or practical tips on their social profiles.

Mute

Use your mute function rigorously. Mute profiles and channels that are negatively impacting your experience. Also, don’t use social networks as your primary source of information; it’s not what they are designed for. Not everybody is a journalist that can objectively report on what is happening in the world, so take social media users’ words with a grain of salt — or don’t take it at all. You can mute users for a reason, and what this reason should be is your choice!

Also, if you are sick of reading thousands of comments regarding conspiracy theories, I have a neat trick for you. You can automatically filter out comments that contain specific keywords. On Instagram, you can find this option in your profile settings -> Privacy and Security -> Edit comment settings.

Follow

“Does it spark joy?” - Marie Kondo

Your social media feeds are your online wardrobe. There is almost no difference anymore between cleaning your home and organizing your social feeds. When reviewing possible content for your curated feed, ask yourself continuously one question: Does this post improve my life?

It’s up to you to define improvement. Is it sparking joy or inspiration? Does it contain valuable tips? If you find a channel or profile that repeatedly answers these questions positively, it’s time to curate them. But be picky. You are still serving the most valuable user, after all!

Repeat

You should curate your feed regularly. Remember, unfollowing someone on social media is nothing personal. Everyone can — within certain limitations — share whatever they like. But you don’t have to watch everything that is being shared. Your time and your attention are valuable, not only for marketers but also for your mental health. Latter should be your priority.

Avoid

Lastly, there are two things you should mostly avoid. First of all, try to minimize your time spent on explore pages and recommendations. These suggestions aren’t tailored for your best interest but are mostly serving social media companies’ revenue goals.

And second, if you are searching for inspiration or motivation online, there is one trap you have to be aware of. I sometimes find myself caught in hours and hours of watching motivational content. Content that is supposed to urge me into writing or studying, but it won’t work, because it’s not actual inspiration, but rather inspitainment — entertainment, disguised as self-improvement.

When watching inspirational content, ask yourself this one question:

Is this video inspiring me to work, or rather to watch further inspirational content?

Social media doesn’t have to be your enemy. You can turn it into an incredible tool that has an immensely positive impact on your life. But with such use comes a responsibility. A responsibility to curate and moderate the content you are exposing yourself to. The steps above will work as a solid foundation for this.