Process Post #11

We are constantly inundated with messages about the importance of having a strong social media presence. From Instagram to TikTok to Twitter, there seems to be an endless number of platforms to choose from. While I understand the benefits of connecting with others and sharing my experiences online, I find myself feeling hesitant and even fearful about creating multiple social media channels.

One reason for my reluctance is the pressure to present a certain image of myself online. As one of our readings, by Bryce Renninger discusses in “Where I can be myself … where I can speak my mind” (Read that article here!), social media has become a space where individuals can curate their identities and project a certain image to the world. While this can be empowering, it can also be exhausting. I worry that by creating multiple social media channels, I will have to constantly monitor and update each one to ensure that I am presenting the “right” image of myself. I also have to create unique, curated content for each social channel, and I worry that all that extra work will suck the fun out of my blog.

This pressure to conform to societal expectations can be overwhelming, and it is one of the main reasons why I hesitate to create multiple social media accounts. Personally, I only use Instagram because I found that other socials were harming my mental health. Constantly keeping up with them was to much for me, and I felt I was missing out on my own life. Although, I did create a TikTok for “Friday’s with Frosty” to expand my content (Check it out by clicking here!), each time I posted, I deleted the app. I felt this kept me from getting hooked and falling into a negative spiral. Every time I wanted to create a new video, I had to re-install TikTok. In fact, as soon as this class is over I will be deleting my TikTok account for good.

Another reason for my reluctance is the fear of being judged or criticized. In today’s society, it seems like everyone has an opinion about everything, and social media has only amplified this phenomenon. While I understand that not everyone will agree with everything I post online, the thought of receiving negative comments or criticism is daunting. Renninger’s discussion of networked counterpublics in a polymedia environment resonates with me here. Social media has created a space where individuals can connect with like-minded people and form their own communities. While this can be a positive thing, it can also create an echo chamber where opposing views are not heard or acknowledged.

Despite my fear and reluctance, I do see the value in social media as a tool for storytelling and self-expression. My blogging experience has empowered me.  I like the pace—no pressure to post everything all the time. I like the space—I can fully develop my thoughts and ideas without character limits. I really like that I don’t feel that pressure to constantly check my posts—I am not tied to likes. The fact that I don’t have followers also takes some of the pressure off. When I am writing I don’t think about all the people who will see my content. I am just able to write what I think. It is freeing.

Although I have my issues with social media, I came up with ideas for a potential “Fridays with Frosty” expansion. All this content would create traffic back to my blog.

Works Cited

Renninger , B. (2014). “Where I can be myself … where I can speak my mind … – sage journals. “Where I can be myself … where I can speak my mind” : Networked counterpublics in a polymedia environment. Retrieved April 8, 2023, from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1461444814530095