Take a look around your home—how many people are looking at a screen? Within those screens, how many of them are on a social media site or app? Social media has changed how we interact with everyone around us, including our families. It’s not uncommon to message someone in your family, even if they’re in the next room or right beside you on the couch. Maybe it’s an innocent sharing of a cute story on Instagram, but regardless we’ve allowed technology to become not a tool to connect but one to remain isolated. Technology addiction is a very real phenomenon, with rehab facilities popping up all over the world tackling solely this highly addictive tendency. However, you don’t need to go inpatient to find out what a cleanse could do for you and your family’s health.
Creating and enforcing social media rules within the family for both communicating and usage when at home and/or commuting together in the car is a good start. Just like with any addiction, don’t go cold turkey. There will be very real withdrawals, and children are especially not adept at organically having the toolsets to handle it. Instead, get everyone involved in creating the rules starting with an honest discussion on the benefits of freeing yourself from social media ties (at least on a regular basis).
Many experts agree that younger generations who’ve never known a world without social media don’t understand how to talk face-to-face without a screen as a buffer. Being able to communicate without technology is a healing balm for your family unit, and also a means of helping to prepare children for the future.
Safety First
In addition to increasing quality time as a family, it’s also important to remember the dangers of social media. You have your security settings tight and are only friends with people you know in real life, so what’s the harm in a little oversharing on social media? A lot, since you shouldn’t blindly trust your security settings (you might have missed a checkbox somewhere) and there’s no telling what friends of friends may see. For example, have you ever seen a stranger’s Facebook post pop up because one of your friends liked it? It might seem annoying but harmless, but it could lead to a dangerous situation.
There are some things that should never be shared on social media. However, this can be a challenge since you naturally want to share exciting news, at times vent to your friends at large, or ask as many people as possible a pressing question. As a family, it’s important to decide what’s okay to post and when. Before posting, make sure nobody in the family is committing one of these dangerous missteps:
- Vacation plans before or during your holiday
It’s tough to not share plans about your upcoming trip online or “check-in” overseas. However, it’s an open invitation letting people know your home may be empty. Even someone “liking” your status might notify one of their thousands of acquaintances who’s in need of a quick buck. Instead, wait until you’ve returned home and make it clear that the vacation is over.
- Where your items are stored
Are you moving and storing your car or property? Asking about the best storage facilities is perfectly fine, but don’t comment publicly in a manner that suggests you’ve chosen an option. Instead, direct message (DM) if necessary, and never post the name or location of your stored items. Even the most secure of units can be vulnerable to committed thieves.
- Anything while you’re angry or under the influence
You’ve probably deleted a post or two in your life, and it’s wise to always think twice before posting. However, if you’re upset or have been drinking, don’t use social media at all. Screenshots are forever, and there’s no telling what kind of relationships you can harm or embarrassment you can cause yourself.
- The latest, big purchase or gift you received
Are you the first of your friends to snag one of those new curved TVs? That’s awesome but posting about it to everyone might be too tempting for thieves. Instead, message people privately or create a private event for a movie night to show it off.
Social media is, by nature, social—or at least it should. Keep more of your life private and enjoy better security and more quality family time.
