1. Addictive: I could spend hours switching from apps
2. Overwhelming: news about corruption within the country and around the world; so many notifications throughout the day
3. Distracting: I tend to forget why I am on an app, and begin to wander on all of my accounts
4. Large amount of screen time: consumes a majority of my free time; interferes with responsibilities and priorities
5. Discouraging: number of likes on posts; who will accept friend/follow requests and follow back

What I like best about social media are the inspirational articles and videos. While I try my best to stick with bookstores and the public library, the informative sources via social media expose a variety of topics regarding my passions and hobbies and continues to inspire me as a writer.

The downfall of social media is the daily news regarding health issues and racial tension. Although I am grateful that the important news are at our fingertips, it is stressful to scroll through my newsfeed about such things as the latest deaths from violence (police shootings, terrorism, homicides, etc.) I fear being stopped by the police, to step out of the house, and for my family’s safety as well as my own. At times I shut myself out of the media, especially Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, the main resources of where I receive the bad news.

I cope with the heavy burden by talking to my loved ones, writing it out, and, most of all, praying. Ironically, I realized that Pinterest relaxes my stress level. I like to look through pins and think of how I can improve me, my health, try different recipes, and ideas on upgrading my bedroom and wardrobe.

Today’s generation is spoiled with technology. Ten years ago, there were razor phones instead of iPhones; MySpace and Facebook were evolving; the most used gadgets were iPods/MP3 players, television, and the DSi. Social media is a typical reason why we are always on our phones. It is an easy distraction when searching for something/someone, but end up looking at something completely different. For a majority of my life, I have always stared at a screen because of the TV shows I would watch on PBS Kids and Playhouse Disney.

I am currently setting a personal goal on limiting my time with social media to every other hour, as I am constantly on my phone in general (including texting, Google, and music). During my hours when I am off of social networks, I will think of ways to keep my mind occupied. Some thoughts are reading, writing, household chores, and rearranging my room. While I do use my phone and iPad for research purposes, I would limit it to Google and occasionally Facebook for articles and other informative/inspirational topics.