Not sure this is the right channel for this, but I'd love to hear your thoughts: As a content marketer, I feel a professional responsibility to understand social media. But as a person, I mostly hate how social media makes me feel (got rid of Facebook years ago, but am still on Twitter and Instagram). Does anyone have insight into this? Like, how do you stay aware of how these important channels work and how they can be used for thought leadership and brand building without your mental health suffering?

Such a good question. I feel like the majority of my friends who work in marketing feel the same.

Great question. I can only share what I've done. 1. I moved into a position where I wasn't responsible for social media. This gave me some distance between it (definitely not an option for everyone, but always good to bring up if possible). 2. I focused on 1 channel for professional use (I chose YouTube). So I subscribe to a few channels and read important topics on the platfrom, and ignore 100% of everything else about any other platform. So, when I do get asked about social media projects or to assist with one, I've very clear about my expertise. 3. I have really strong personal limits around how and when I use them. So I don't have any apps on my phone except for YouTube. And when I want to look something up on TikTok, Twitter, FB, I have to use my wife's phone (which has a built-in time limit because she needs it back lol). Hope one of these was helpful!

Thank you, @lemon-airport-97306! Definitely helpful!

My simple advice is to set strict time limits on how long you’re going to spend on Twitter, LI, whatever it is when writing a post for work. So like set a timer for 10-20 mins to write your post, look at other posts for inspo or what have you then do something else

Thank you, @purple-monitor-35762!

Same here! I deleted my socials (except Youtube, I guess that counts nowadays). BUT I love LinkedIn! So I decided to focus our social media strategy on LinkedIn because it's what I know as well as being best for b2b. If you're B2C that would't be a good option. Nonetheless, if you have the ability to limit your social strategy to only one channel, that might be a good start. Better to find a niche in one channel then try to be a generalist and hate your life doing it. 😅 The qualilty per channel and the insights your able to garner will be better for it too.

I have felt this exact struggle deep, deep down in my bones for a long time. I used to be a Pastor, for background, and so I have been thinking about this for years and years before the Instagram was even a thing. When I was just getting started on Facebook in late high school I was struggling with how bad it could get if you let it. I think @lemon-airport-97306 and @purple-monitor-35762 both hit it dead on. Separate where you can, use it ONLY for enjoyment (and the second you stop getting joy out of it...Marie Kondo it for personal use), and set limits on yourself. When it comes to client work that requires social use (and even for your own business use), make a clear separation. You are not your work. Your work does not define your worth. That is hard to learn, but goes a long way to creating a much healthier you as you interact with social media both personally and professionally. You are not alone in this struggle @clean-lion-65545 - I am still trying to implement my own advice daily!

Thank you for these thoughtful answers! I hadn't checked in in a while and I'm grateful for the insight!