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Are You Leaving Social Media?

Writer's picture: Kimberly BenoyKimberly Benoy

Is it the end of Facebook?


That sounds a bit melodramatic doesn't it? My short answer is "no" with a sort of sarcastic laugh.


Why do I bring this up? I have noticed a small number of people in my Facebook-friend world announce that they are leaving the site and taking their literal business elsewhere. When I say 'small number' that means 2 or 3 that have announced it to the world.


These people use the social media platform to promote and grow their businesses and the main reason for leaving seems to be not having control over what is shared. I get it. I have said many times that social media is a necessary evil related to my business. I feel I need it because that's where the people who are interested in what I do hang out.


A finger touching a blue phone screen.

The frustrating part of it has been trying to figure out those algorithms which determine who gets to see what we put out there. They change so frequently that it's very difficult to keep up; I feel like I figure it out one day and the next day-poof-nothing!

Sure, if you pay money to buy advertising, you have a better chance of reaching people but even that is still dependent on the almighty algorithms. If I spend money on advertising, I want to make sure that it's worthwhile.


I admit that I have considered leaving too but more for personal reasons.


This social media platform has become so ingrained in our life that many people (myself included) are admittedly addicted to it. This is good if you want to reach people for financial purposes but not so good for our attention levels and general health. Yes, I wrote 'health.'


I find myself scrolling through my feed for way too many hours a day. I thought it would help to remove the app from my phone but it's still there and easily accessible; it's just one more screen to go to.


Lately, I have seen so many posts that I do not agree with and while I do scroll by, it's getting to be too much. I have been "snoozing" people for 30 days which does help. But I have been having the thought more frequently that it's silly to keep doing this when I can just stop altogether. The negative energy is still there and I feel it.


As I grow older and wiser, I have been paying attention to how I feel about things and if those "things" are making me feel bad or drained, I remove myself from them. It truly helps.


I also do not want to get political here but we know that certain social media platforms control information relating to more important topics than where I ate dinner and sharing the cute photos of my dogs. Do I really want to be controlled? NO! But I was putting up with it because I needed it for my business....or do I?


I have heard the phrase (or something like it) that says "don't build your business on borrowed land." This is exactly what the social media platforms are because you are not in control. Do you remember when Facebook went down in 2023 I believe? The world went crazy! We were not able to get into it or do anything with it. Peals were clutched and wails could be heard everywhere.


To me, that was a huge aha moment that taught me not to rely on social media period. It can be taken away at a moment's notice or no notice for that matter. I want to focus on what I control and own i.e. my website and email list. While I am not ready to remove myself or my business from the meta platforms, I am working on creating more opportunities for my people to interact on my website. It's more fun when I know the people are there because they want to be. Yes, I need to work a little harder but that's the fun part.

 A black Labrador Retriever in the snow.
Jake takes a break.

I still want to share fun things on Facebook and I apologize if you get sick of photos of my dogs, actually, I'm not apologizing. They are cute and you need to see them lol. We need to see good things with all the negative going on and if a photo of Jake makes you smile, then I'm going to keep sharing. #sorrynotsorry


Why did you join Facebook? I initially joined to connect with people I had lost touch with. It was a great way to find classmates and family that I wasn't in touch with. I would like to just keep doing that without the pressure of wondering how many people will see what I post.


So I guess what I am saying is that I don't plan to leave anytime soon but if the business activities are my excuse that keeps me scrolling endlessly, then it may be time to evaluate what is more important. Especially if they are not helping my business grow because someone or something else is in control.


Thank you for reading my social media rantings this week. Let me know what you think about social media-what are your favorite platforms? Are you leaving any of them? Why? I would love to know.


 

Have you listened to the latest episode of the Midlife with Courageâ„¢ podcast? Did you know you can listen to it before it goes public? All of my subscribers receive a weekly inspirational or thought-provoking message along with a link to that week's podcast episode a day early. If you want to make sure you are on the list, just click HERE and scroll down a bit to get your name on the list.


 

Until next time, take care of your beautiful self!

~Kim~


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