Freedom Day is a time to celebrate the liberties we cherish. But in the digital age, where social media plays such a huge role in our lives, it’s crucial to ask ourselves: Does the way we engage with social media make us truly free? At clicked we strongly believe in responsible and healthy social media habits and consumption. We believe in empowering consumers with healthy social media practices that foster a true sense of freedom and well-being.
Breaking Free from the Illusion of Connection
Social media promises constant connection, but ironically, it can pull us away from authentic human interaction. Here’s a few tips to break this cycle:
Mindful Scrolling: Avoid mindless scrolling for hours on end. As digital marketers we often find ourselves sucked into the endless cycle of doom scrolling in the name of ‘research’. Take it from us, boundaries are your friend.
Use your screen time with intention. Use it to edify the things that matter to you. Follow experts in your industry or areas of interest, join groups that share common interests where you can learn and grow, follow accounts that inspire and motivate you. Amplify the voice of others; share content from creators and businesses doing work you admire or highlight small businesses or individuals in your network who deserve recognition.
Face-to-Face First: Even once you have found the places that inspire you, still set intentional limits on your screen time. Don’t let your quest for online enlightenment become a reason to avoid real-life enlightenment. Your friends miss your face J Prioritise real conversations and activities with loved ones over digital ones.
Digital detox: While you’re at it don’t skip the digital detox. Try taking regular social media breaks to fully disconnect and reconnect with the present moment. Your mental health will thank you.
Protecting Your Freedom of Thought
Social media can be a powerful platform for expression and learning, but it can also pull us into echo chambers and toxic debates. Don’t get pulled into the mob mentality that can so often easily suck us in. Here’s how to safeguard your mental freedom:
Diversify Your Feed: Actively seek out viewpoints different from your own to avoid the trap of confirmation bias. A well-rounded perspective comes from seeing all sides, not just the one that feels comfortable.
Fact-Check: Before sharing information, verify its source and credibility to minimise spreading misinformation. We’ve all been tempted to share a shocking fact or jump on a viral trend. In a world of viral content, be a champion of truth. Your digital footprint matters.
Disengage with Dignity: Protect your energy. Know when to respectfully walk away from unproductive online arguments that drain your energy and wreck your mental well-being.
Reclaiming Your Digital Privacy
Social media runs on a fuel of data collection. This powers benefits like targeted advertising and personalised experiences, but also raises concerns about privacy. While complete anonymity is difficult, there’s power in maximising the privacy you do control.
Do your research: Know what the settings on all your social platforms mean and how they impact your data. Make an informed decision and adjust the settings to the levels you are comfortable with.
Limit Data Sharing: Be selective about the personal information you share online. Yes, even as digital marketers who need data to do our jobs we are saying be selective about the data you share. Use your judgement and trust your instincts. Does that website really need your ID number ma’am?
Conscious Footprint: Remember that everything you post leaves a digital trace. Choose your digital actions wisely. Your online presence is part of your legacy – make it something you’re proud of. Words have power, even online. Use yours with respect and responsibility, knowing your actions create ripples far beyond the screen.
Social media has enormous potential to connect, inform, and inspire. But used carelessly, it can chip away at our freedom – from the freedom to disconnect to the freedom of thought and privacy. By practicing healthy social media habits, we gain agency over our digital lives, ensuring these platforms serve us, not the other way around.
