S.M.A.A.

I've had this feeling for a little bit--the feeling that social media is not as harmless as it seems. Its like a proverbial snake-hole with a calm surface, yet, under that surface is a hole, filled with fangs and venom.

I recently decided that I was going to go off of social media. I was tired of feeling bad, seeing bad, thinking bad. I know I live in a dirty world; however, if at all possible, I should try to keep that away from my personal life and home life. So, on my way to my sister's house, I decided that social media was a "no" for me. 

I have been observing social media trends for awhile (whether that is watching myself or others). I notice that when my friends and I hang out, it's like carrying on a normal conversation is too much work. We all have our phones in our hands, endlessly scrolling through old news feeds as we restlessly tap our feet, make weird sounds, or try to hide behind our screens. It's as if we find some odd security having the phones in our hands, yet at the same time, we feel even more insecure than when we just sit and talk to each other.

I believe that social media has not only become a problem for conversation, but it has become an untold addiction. I have noticed that, some days, if I have not been on social media for even a few minutes, I feel the incessant urge to go scroll through my news feed again. WHY?! I don't know. I guess I don't want to miss out on anything. BUT NOTHING IS GOING ON. Still... I can't resist the urge. So, I pull out my phone for like the 4 millionth time that morning. 

"That's horrible" some people probably say. But it's true. It's a very real problem out there.

Last night, I had a dream. I didn't remember my dream until I was at my desk in the office this morning, thinking about my phone and my resolve to stay off of social media. In my dream, my brother in law said something to the effect of "Karissa, be careful that you don't let your phone separate you from Heaven."

Guys, that's real. 

This social media battle is real, very real. I know that many people would disagree with me and say that it's all in how you use it... and that's true. However, the issue with social media is: we don't always ask for the things we get to see and hear. We aren't always warned about the junk that's going to come across our screen. We aren't warned about the addictive nature that social media has on us everyday. We aren't warned about the feelings of insecurity that come when you only get 45 "likes" on a 107 "like"-able picture (we all know what I am talking about). We fail to realize the intense cyber-bullying that goes on every single day. The suicides, attempted suicides, and depression that result from some of the very social media sights that everyone is using to post pictures of their dog and new family updates. 

All I ask is that we be very careful. Each person has a different conviction about social media. Some use it to post good, wholesome things... and that's amazing and great. But, if it becomes a god, it's time to reconsider. If social media is the first waking thought, there are issues. If social media pervades your worship, in church, or elsewhere, there needs to be a reconsideration of your drive. If you go to bed, feeling bad because you saw things that you didn't need/want/should have seen, it's time to put a stop to social media.

So what about the title? Social Media Addict Anonymous. 

I am Karissa Bird and I am a social media addict. I know I am and now I know how to change it.

It's very generous of God to send little hints for us to be challenged by. I am resolved. Even if I go through "social media withdrawal", I'll be okay. God will (and is) fighting every battle we give to Him. I give Him this big battle. I'm just thankful He warned me in time.