I had a rude awakening the other weekend. I was in San Francisco visiting friends for Outside Lands Music Festival and something stuck with me like a thorn in my side.
I was in the presence of beautiful sites like the Golden Gate Bridge, amazing musical artists like Elton John and Mumford and Sons, taking in the gorgeous, mountainous scenery with awesome people… and yet instead of simply enjoying the moment, I was constantly surveying my social media agenda.
If I snapped this photo, would it get a lot of “Likes?” Will this photo prove to people that I have great style? How many times would I ask my poor boyfriend to take a photo until he took one I liked?
The irony of it all was that I was so unhappy trying to prove with photos that I was happy.
#NoMoFoMo, a great motto to live by.
I never realized the effect social media was having on my attitude. My addiction wasn’t just about the constant desire to check but in the constant desire to contribute. Snapping a shareable photo made the moment feel more real, and yet at the same time, it completely interrupted it.
I can’t say I’ll ever stop documenting and sharing my adventures–I’m a photographer and capturing special moments brings me great joy, especially when I get to share it on this blog. I will, however, attempt to quiet my social media agenda. If it doesn’t feel completely natural to snap a picture in that wonderful moment, then so be it. I’ll cherish that sweet memory with or without that Snapchat to prove it.
Esh says
Felt this way on my vacation! Decided to leave the camera and phone in the car during a hike and it was so hard (as crazy as that sounds to admit) but I finally got to take it in without being bombarded with thoughts of capturing it all for social media. So glad I have someone to relate to who gets it <3
Carrie says
I went off all my personal social media account for a whole year. It was like withdrawal from crack. Especially since I had to be on work accounts every single day. I unfollowed and unfriended everyone and closed my accounts. I’m happy to be back on, and see how my friends who live far away are doing. BUT, I highly recommend trying it. Even if it’s just for a couple days or a week. Personally, I needed more time to be away from it to realize the severity of the addiction. But, like any other addiction as soon as I got back on it was the same. That’s fine- but the break can give you some perspective.
Saralee says
Once again you are connecting the dots. Today a special moment isn’t truly noteworthy unless it’s shared on social media. But it’s not just the millennials who can’t stop posting. Their parents are equally addicted. Maybe instead of perpetuating FOMO, we should all breathe and say LITM. Live in the moment.