It's 2019 and we have the world at our fingertips, literally. Not only do we have the world at our fingertips, we also have other people's. We get to see who's doing what and when. We get to see who is getting married, giving birth, celebrating a birthday, and even what they're eating. On a regular basis! It can be both fascinating and overwhelming. After all, not only are you keeping up with who's doing what, you have to keep posting about your special events, your gorgeous new boyfriend, and that delicious meal you had on Saturday night. All this to get LIKES. Because when you do, doesn't it feel so good?

As much time as we devote to Social Media, there are some aspects of which to be discerning.

Perhaps, it is fun to see who's eating what, or who's dog is best friends with a cat, but one of the things to watch out for are the comparisons that are made based on what other people post. Notice that in most or all social media, people expose only their best and most beautiful selves. They share the happiest times, the most amazing moments. If you personally happen to be experiencing a rough patch, these images may make you feel even worse. "Why is Johnny's life so fabulous and mine so horrible?"

Social Media can be highly addicting. The need to keep posting to get those likes may get out of hand; it may become such a priority that things that really need to be done, or creative expressions that can add depth to you as a human being, will be nothing but something you might get to when you "have time." A family birthday or trip can turn into a photo op you can share with the world.

Then, there's the Regular and Entertainment News! More media!
By design, it is disempowering. Why? If you pay close attention to what's presently happening in our society, you'll notice a lot of anger, hatred, fear, and divisiveness. Some family members can't even be in the same room together without getting into an argument about world affairs.

If you watch the news regularly, you will end up feeling depressed. The news preys on your weaknesses, creates fear. Notice how much coverage the societal horrors receive vs. the feel-good stories. After watching the news, you might feel as though the sky is falling. You might, in fact, throw up your hands in exasperation. You may even want to build a bunker and hide from the rest of the world.

Keep this in mind, how much can you really do about what's being reported? How does it really impact your life? Does it impact it at all?

What if you used the time you spend on Social Media, or watching a hot police pursuit, or reading about Meghan Markle's new baby: Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, to live your life? Your life?

With all the time you save, you can start expressing yourself creatively; spending more time with family and friends; exercising more; reading, etc.

You will be surprised at how much time is eaten up by Social Media, the News and Entertainment. Add it up one of these days. Get ready to be shocked.

I'm not suggesting you bury your head in the sand. It is important to stay current, and in just a few minutes you can do that. Social Media has its place, but don't let it consume you. Allow it to be part of your life, but don't let it dictate it.

Take charge of your life. Dedicate your life to you and your endeavors. Stop focusing on who is doing what and when. Stop depressing yourself with the "News" and watching reality shows about other people's lives.

Start doing. Be the newsmaker. Be the star of your own life.

Author's Bio: 

Rossana Snee is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. She has worked with individuals, couples, and families. Her present focus is providing counseling advice during her weekly Periscope broadcasts (@askjoshsmom).

She is the author of, The Healing Alphabet: 26 Empowering Ways to Enrich Your Life.

Visit her at www.rossanasnee.com. She endeavors to inspire and motivate, and to be a springboard for her reader's self-growth.