Social media should I stay off it?

pretty sure social media isnt listed as one of the sins in any branch of christianity lol
although the sins were always stupid anyway.... having sex is a sin... but without it there would be no humanity at all right?

I’ve had bad experiences on social media in the past and when I subsequently came back to my traditional Catholic faith 15 years ago, I was told by my spiritual director that being on social media was gravely sinful, in fact a mortal sin, so I deleted all of my social media profiles in obedience to the teachings of the church of which I am a member long before my diagnosis - but it did get me thinking that for people like us, being on social media is totally inappropriate and this was especially true during Covid lockdowns 

I think you are right - and I will always prefer to avoid a serpent - I respectfully leave them be.

Thanks man.. I like to jump around on comment sections, I think they have drastically increase my writing skills, I cater more to the audience now than just writing down my own thoughts, schooling could never have taught me that.

I used to get caught up a little too much in the drama, sometimes I used to be the drama, but I think I’m levelling out thanks to my numerous exposures.

I think that social media is like any serpent, you’re never gonna get protected from all the different poisons, so you make as well learn how to handle/live-with them..:)

That is a great summary, in my opinion.  I don't agree, but you put a cogent case really well.

I think my summary line would be;

"Be cautious in social media, it is the monster."

Thanks for helping me crystallise my thought.

Kind regards - Number.

It can be difficult for an autistic individual to see the forest for the trees sometimes; that is the trouble with social media, it is a endless sea of grammatical illiteracy, which the literal mind of people with AS can have trouble with, especially with their all-or-nothing mindsets.

Having said that people with AS can find a-lot of use in social media; but it is useful to consider that the subject can be as thick with style-less refuse, as it is with empty logic.

So have fun; but here be monsters!

That's really unfair, did you contest it? (The disciplinary I mean.)

I used to work in Tesco for 17 years from 2003 up to Sept 2019 and at the start one woman manager who was ex-army, forbade any of her team to be on social media if not a manager/team leader - I’d travelled home to Ireland in 2009 to attend my Mum’s funeral and on my return, I found so many horrible posts about my going away - when I reported this to store manager, I was put on a disciplinary for having a social media account - with all that has happened since Covid, it’s best to disengage from all social media platforms 

There are some good things about social media, but I am careful with what I start looking at.  I set time limits for the apps on my phone and try to do something else or text a friend instead.

Actually I don't think anyone who at least initially responded to my reply took it as anything beyond the observation it was meant as, I realise my obserations can feel weighed because they sometimes address serious topics, but it really wasn't meant as criticism, at most maybe a polite caution in that observation, but it certainly wasn't meant to be accusatory to anyone in particular. But I do see where replies to those replies may have started to spin off into a more heated direction.

frenz said:

David Bowie said in an interview way back in 1999 (I think) that the internet was the best and worst thing that could have been invented (to paraphrase). He was right! 

Haha so true! :D

It seems I may have upset some people with my reply which definitely wasn't my intention. Maybe this perfectly demonstrates the problem with social media, in that you have interpreted a phrase which is in general use nowadays as being political, which is not what I said at all! Maybe I have misinterpreted what you have said!? The fact that you have responded without hurling abuse and it can then be debated/discussed is what should happen - but it normally doesn't. That was the point really.

Anyway, as you also said, and I agree, I didn't wish to hijack this topic out of respect to the original poster. I was merely stating an opinion which clearly turned out to be not that helpful.

David Bowie said in an interview way back in 1999 (I think) that the internet was the best and worst thing that could have been invented (to paraphrase). He was right! 

I agree I don't think people limit their time online like they used to, and they don't realise they are getting tech fatigued either because society has been sold "24/7 connectivity" as the new normal, but it's really unhealthy.

That's a really good point about it being "in our own homes". Yes there is no respite. If you choose that option. We always have an option.

I think it also has this odd psychological component, it's not just having to deal with people when you go out but people have less energy and patience for eachother online because there is no respite when we allow the internet to bring those other tired and potentially abbrasive people into our own homes, and I think that makes people extra defensive, because it feels like we are being invaded with the negativity.

I think with what happened here gives you your answer.

People are hard work enough in real life without adding in extra online.

I think any fire has gone out now anyway, so it's all good!  Social media and especially mobile phone use is an important topic as it's so prevalent right now and potentially very damaging.  If there is something you want advice on you should feel at ease to bring it up in places like this. The thread demonstrated nicely how easily online conversations can become heated and polarised.    

Hi online community members. Just a reminder of our Community rule number 5:

‘Be nice to one another and enjoy chatting with others. We encourage conversation and respectful debate; please be aware that individuals may give opinions which are not shared by other members. Insulting posts or comments making personal jibes will not be tolerated.'

For more information, please visit: https://community.autism.org.uk/p/rules

Thank you,

Liz Mod

So, I've logged on here during my lunch to see if I can delete this thread as it seems to have got fractious but I can't now people have replied.  I didn't want to start a fire here, for people to get upset or owt else. Let's look after each other and not fall out.

I woke up early even though I'd switched notifications off on the FB thread but sure enough it still went round my head in a loop.  I even had a fried egg sandwich and a pack of jaffa cakes to make myself feel better as this sometimes works but to no effect.

Thanks to everyone for the advice, some people say avoid it, some say use it but scroll on/try not to reply and some people say keep challenging.  I think for the moment, I just need to give myself some space, I've had a roller coaster of a week with some good stuff happening and some bad stuff, so I'm just going to play Planet Zoo, Warcraft or something else all weekend and avoid social media for now if I can!

It can be frustrating and distressing to receive aggressive or negative responses on social media or online forums, especially when you are just trying to share your opinion or offer helpful suggestions. It's important to remember that online communication can often be misinterpreted, and people may not always respond in a kind or rational manner.

If you find that engaging in social media or online forums is causing you distress, it may be helpful to take a break from these platforms or limit your use of them. You can also consider adjusting your privacy settings or unfollowing or blocking individuals who are causing you distress.

In addition, it may be helpful to practice healthy communication strategies when engaging online, such as taking a moment to think before responding, using non-confrontational language, and avoiding making assumptions about other people's intentions or beliefs.

Ultimately, the decision to engage or disengage from social media and online forums is a personal one. It's important to prioritize your mental health and well-being and do what feels right for you.

aye but were talking of doing that on facebook though arnt we so that is irrelevant lol