Three Ways to Stay Present IRL in a Social Media World
The other week, I went to a concert where a kid in front of me was taking so many selfies I swear he missed the entire concert. A woman sitting behind him even told him to cut it out because it was so distracting. I love social media. I think it’s a great way to express yourself and get your voice heard. However, it also causes major distractions and doesn’t allow you to be present anymore. We’re constantly feeling like we need to upload to Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, etc in order to make sure everyone knows that we were social. In order to combat that pressure, I’ve been trying a few new tactics in order to be more present.
Madewell Jeans (Thrifted) | Veja Shoes | J.Crew Sweater
Snap Quickly, Post Later
When it comes to going to fun events, it can be so tempting to take a bunch of photos and post them right then and there. The problem with that is that you’re taking away from the actual moment. Are you at a concert and missing an entire song because you’re posting to the gram? Are you on a date and ruining the moment to send a picture to the feed (guilty)? Take the picture/video quickly and post it later. Who cares if it is a few hours late or even the next day. What matters is actually living through the experience.
Three Photo Rule
We all want that perfect photo and sometimes it takes more than one shot to get the right angle/light/smile/pose. When you’re at a party you really don’t need to take photo after photo. I’ve been super guilty of this but I’ve been trying to hold back on photos and just be present. The way I’ve been trying to do better at this is to take a few photos quickly and move on.
Human Interaction Comes First
Part of the reason my two posts a week quota has changed so much is because I’m being so busy being a social human. Whether it is being at Orangetheory too late, catching a bite to eat with a friend, or just hanging out with my roommate, I’ve been making the most of my free time. I love blogging, it is the perfect outlet for my thoughts to wander. However, I enjoy personal connections way more and if that means I won’t have two blog posts a week, so be it. Sometimes (most times) it is more important to make human connections than to hang out typing on a keyboard at home.
How are you trying to stay present in a social media world? Let me know your comments and tips down below.
As always,
30 Comments
Becoming His Tapestry
great post and wonderful tips for this digital world in which we live
PeculiarPorter
Thank you so much!
Alexis Reliford
Love this! My 9-5 is in social media, unplugging entirely is pretty much off the table. But, I’m definitely on the “snap now, post later” train when it comes to after hours. And I wish more people were too be watching at a concert through a tiny screen cannot be that fun lol.
PeculiarPorter
Thank you so much, Alexis! I couldn’t agree more – I’d rather see the full show in all it’s glory!
jenniferpickering22gmailcom
I agree with this! When I’m at a concert, I try to enjoy it. I might snap a few picks or take some short videos of my fav songs but otherwise, I’m not on my phone.
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
PeculiarPorter
Absolutely! The better we can get with being in the moment the better!
Inspiremyfancy
Great tips on handling social media. I schedule my time on social, lol. I have to. I want to be present when with family and friends!
xx,
Tania
https://inspiremyfancy.com
PeculiarPorter
Oh my gosh, I love that!
Marie
Love these rules. Human connections first above all!
You are beautiful, dear!
Marie
https://theflowerduet.blogspot.com/
PeculiarPorter
Thank you so much Marie!
nayatilly
Omg, Logan – so true! I thankfully have no issues staying present IRL, although part of my work is social media. I find it liberating and refreshing when I actually save some of the things I do in my personal life only for myself. I guess I am private in that way, but I’d rather jump/dance/sing on top of my lungs at the concert instead of taking silly selfies. Who cares? Enjoy the moment! This is what memories are all about xx
Naya
http://www.nayatilly.com
PeculiarPorter
Ahhh, I love that point of view Naya! Keep on jumping, dancing, and singing on top of your lungs!
makeupmuddle
Love the idea of the three photo rule! It means we don’t overthink things too, and I find that it the off the cuff photos tend to be the best haha xo
Makeup Muddle
PeculiarPorter
Exactly! You catch the memory and then you’re able to enjoy it. Also, I totally agree about off the cuff photos!
allisonwdunn
I LOVE THIS POST SO MUCH. Seriously, LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK!!!!
I’m a little concerned for the future of our youth (I sound like a grandma, I know lol) but I think a lot of people, especially kids, are more concerned about their likes or views as opposed to living through experiences.
xo, allie
http://www.champagne-tuesdays.com
PeculiarPorter
I couldn’t agree more, Allie! Time to start living more and put those silly phones away!
Lovely Amusan
Love the post and great tips!
xoxo
Lovely Amusan
http://www.mynameislovely.com
PeculiarPorter
Thank you so much!
sundaydahlias
I love this! I always snap first and post later because I don’t want to miss the moment!
https://sundaydahlias.com
PeculiarPorter
Yessss! I love that! Keep living in the moment!
Nina
I agree, it’s better to post pictures after actual party/event . Love this cozy outfit on you.
http://www.ninakobi.com/2020/02/white-puffer-jacket-and-black-combat.html
PeculiarPorter
I couldn’t agree more, Nina! Thank you so much!
The Style Contour
After having my daughters (2.5 and 7mths) I’ve been forced many times to take social media breaks that I don’t think I’d otherwise take. This is one of the many reasons I love having them with me everyday. They keep me on my toys and keep in the moment. It can just sometimes be too much and not necessary to always share everything all of the time. Thanks for sharing your suggestions with us and I hope you’re having a great week so far!
XO,
Jalisa
THE STYLE CONTOUR
PeculiarPorter
Enjoy your time with them! It sounds like you’re having so much time making memories of your own!
Ashley
Ooooh, I love the 3-photo rule! I need to employ this. And I agree- being in the present is really important, especially today when it seems most people aren’t. Love this!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
PeculiarPorter
Yes! The more we can be present IRL the better. It’s so hard when you blog as much as we do but it’s all a learning process!
alimackin2013
I know this is so true, social media is double edged sword. On the one hand it connect people but on the other it disconnects people. Seriously I have been out and witnessed a whole table full of friends out for the night all looking down at their phones. Ridiculous. I also have witnessed people taking selfies and on their phones during FW while the show was walking the runway!
Good tips here. Hopefully more people will apply them.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
PeculiarPorter
Oh goodness, that is so silly that people are so focused on their phones. Fingers crossed that some of these tips stick!
Babita
Loved the read! Scheduling is the best thing!!!
Xoxo Babita
http://www.travelhues.com/
PeculiarPorter
Yes! I couldn’t agree more Babita!