I have contemplated taking a break from social media a number of times this year, but some things always keep stopping me:

1. I love to write. And I love sharing what I write. I would eventually like to make some money doing it if I could. And the best way to get your content out there in the 21st century is social media. It is the new public square. If you want your voice to be heard, you have to go where the people are. Most people are there.

2. The social interaction is equally big for me, especially now. 2020 is the first year I have ever lived alone. But I am not naturally a loner. I really enjoy being around people, having conversations with them, and getting to know them. I do not have a driver's license because of cerebral palsy and not being able to purchase a car that I could have fitted with hand controls. So it is not the easiest for me to connect with people face-to-face. Thanks to the internet in general, and social media in particular, it has made that much easier. But now, as concerns and frustrations over social media grow, a few of my friends have decided to stop using altogether. I consider that a personal bummer even though I understand their decision.

3. I am part of the volunteer staff for a couple of my church's online services. And I am a leader for a Life Group through my church as well. So even if I wanted to take a break from social media, the best I would be able to do is modify my usage like you talked about. I couldn't make a clean break from it without bringing on unnecessary complications.

4. I really do just enjoy social media that much. I have watched a couple of documentaries on social media addiction. So I am now intellectually aware of the potential dangers. But how do I differentiate between something I really, truly enjoy vs. all these warnings about social media addiction and manipulation (especially since I already have experience with another type of addiction)?

Thank you for writing this. I actually did get all the way to the end and I am glad I did. I am going to go back over your suggestions on modifying one's social media usage without totally getting rid of it and think about how I could adjust them and tailor them to my specific needs if I decide to do so. I know this wasn't written recently, but I hope you see this, if for no other reason than to hear that I consider this to be very well written and potentially helpful. So, thank you.