I probably could, and maybe should, write about all of the social media changes we are seeing. The troubling updates to Meta’s content moderation policies and the removal of their fact-checking program, the complicated TikTok ban in the US, all of it. As a business owner who works on social media content for small business owners, it’s impactful. As a parent, it’s disheartening. As a human being it’s greatly concerning.
However, there’s a lot of moving parts that are changing daily it seems. I don’t know what the future holds, I just know that there are a lot of questions coming from the media, a lot of mistrust, and people who are fearful going forward.
This is when media literacy becomes crucial. I’m not an expert on that, but the folks at MediaSmarts are. As digital citizens, and parents, we may need to turn to the experts for guidance and support. This is also where we should examine our relationship with these platforms. Again, I don’t have all the answers, but here’s how I’m approaching things:
What can we do? In times of stress, uncertainty and worry online, I’m starting here:
- Rely on sources (and fact check!)
Before reacting, before commenting, before spiralling, let’s double check the truth. No longer is it just our older parents ‘falling’ for lies they see on Facebook. We are all susceptible. Information is constantly coming at us!
I recognize that we aren’t necessarily going to leave the apps altogether. In fact, a lot of us connect with so many amazing people and organizations online! But it’s time to really ramp up our awareness of what’s being shared and edit what’s coming in our feeds.
The young people in your life have a chance to be a part of the solution, too: MediaSmarts is looking for teens to take part in their Teen Fact-Checking Network to help bring awareness to issues for younger people.
- Get offline
You would think many of us learned this lesson in the deepest days of the pandemic, but doom scrolling doesn’t help anyone. Many of us (hi, I’m ‘us’), need to get offline more and find joy in the hobbies we love, connections with people, fictional worlds, and of course nature. When feeling overwhelmed, let’s commit to stepping away from our phones and computers. These tips can help.
I understand that for some, staying online is how you connect to your communities. I understand. If going offline doesn’t work for you, curate the spaces you feel safest in.
- Talk it out and get help when needed.
This can all be overwhelming. And you may need more support. That’s okay. Find local resources you can turn to or reconnect with loved ones. That is often a welcome, joyous experience.
Being aware of how we feel when using these apps is a good start. And finding activities both online and offline that fill our cups, bring us joy, and connect with the community is one way to move ahead.
Related resources: