Designed to Distract

Within the past seven days, I’ve watched “The Social Dilemma” twice.

While there’s much to be written about this new Netflix documentary, the intention to keep us scrolling and rolling online is clear.

With every ping, we’re pulled from the people, purpose, and task at hand. Hours are wasted because Silicon Valley has found a way to own our attention.

Engaging in things for personal entertainment, education, social networking, and the betterment of mankind is not a bad thing. Human connection is a basic need for survival.

However, productivity, especially contributing to society in a meaningful way, is also a human need.

I know there are things you want to accomplish, relationships you want to develop, something you want to grow, and stuff you want to do. Having goals is good – for your own health and well-being – and society as a whole.

The thing is, our social media accounts have their own goals, which is primarily to keep us looking down as long as possible.

Let’s make a pack, “Don’t let the app developer’s mission distract us from our life.” I believe we’re worth more than an app.

This is not a plea to stop using social media; instead, it is a petition to pay attention to the time spent online.

I personally like to read, share, engage, and sometimes even shop online. However, I recognize it’s powerful ability to tempt me with workouts, webinars, fashion fixes, and freebies that promise to cure my desire to be better.

More often than not, the online roll scroll is a distraction from my work, purpose, people, and peace. Thinking of it as this empowers me to limit social screen time.

Like the tech developers in Silicon Valley, you and I have goals we want to achieve. Reaching these will take time, attention, and dedication. Mostly it means we need to work with purpose and intention.

Understanding these platforms were designed to distract, we can begin to take back our productive power.

Moving forward, pay attention to how, when, and how long your social media feeds are pulling you in.

Set a time limit to socially engage. When the time is up, shut it off. Get back to your work, purpose, and people. Remember staying present, working with persistence, and being patient with yourself is where you’ll find your peace.

You got this!

P.S.
If you haven’t watched The Social Dilemma, I strongly encourage you to do so. I even had my 14-year-old watch it. As she pleads to be social online, I feel it’s essential to educate and empower her in understanding the social web’s complexity. As of this post, she does not have social media. However, I am not naive and know within time, she will.

P.P.S. If you are a health or wellness professional, you’re invited to my next Elevated Pro Webinar: Use an E-Newsletter to Connect with Clients