There’s no doubt that social media and networking has changed the way our world communicates with one another. For many of us who were early adopters, it has already been a few years of regular engagement online. This has resulted in countless new relationships and opportunities that may not have been possible without this new medium.

We’ve seen companies, apps, networks, and new technology tools come and go. We’ve watched millions of people jump on board with this new phenomenon and millions already jump off.

In the midst of this rapidly changing culture, it’s quite possible and even expected that most of us will experience fatigue, specifically social media fatigue. “Keeping up” with new technology is pretty difficult, if not impossible, for the average person. It’s definitely human nature to experience entropy over time in new areas of passion.

For those of you experiencing SMF (Social Media Fatigue), here are some thoughts of encouragement for you:

• It’s okay and quite natural to be fatigued from time to time. Technological advances is overwhelming by nature because of its speed of growth.
• Give yourself permission not to be on top of everything new! If you’re not a technology expert, it’s unlikely that you will ever be on top of all the new innovation. In fact, technology experts can’t even do this most of the time because of the sheer volume of new things.
• Find parameters for your SM usage. You don’t have to be on everything. Choose SM platforms and tools that really benefit who you are and who you’re connected with. In other words, don’t just sign up for the latest thing without some understanding of what you’re signing up for.
• Unplug. Yes, unplug at least a day a week and remind yourself that life happened before social media and can still happen without it from time to time. Say hello to your kids again. *sarcasm here with a hint of truth*
• Get some fresh air. Yes, literally go outside, away from your phone & computer, and enjoy nature. None of us are that important. People can live without us being present constantly online. Others probably need a break from us anyway.
• Don’t forget why you enjoyed social media in the first place. This is a special message for those who use social media for professional work. Don’t allow social media to be only a professional platform. Behind every profile is an actual person (in most cases). Never forget the humanity that makes social media both “social” and meaningful. Do things online to benefit others (e.g., encouraging note, support of their endeavors, platforming what you like about their person, etc.).

I think most of us will agree that social media has added much to our lives. Let’s just not forget that it is NOT life itself.