Findings from my social media audit:

Upon googling my name, my social media sites first appeared (Facebook, IG, LinkedIn, Twitter etc.). I was intrigued to then see some of my previous work sited from conference presentations (from board positions I held with my provincial professional organization), papers written and university standings. I found that surprising! I was also featured in a newsletter for a non-profit organization I worked at in 2001. Quite a flashback! Overall, a limited presence which isn’t unexpected. I’m not sure how I should feel about that!? Part of me is ok with it but on the other hand I feel a tinge of insignificance. Creating more of a professional presence is certainly something I am striving for (ex. LinkedIn)

The two platforms I typically post on are Facebook and Instagram. Shockingly, my last FB & IG posts were a year ago, of my kids on their first day back to school. My 10 previous posts are mostly of my kids on special occasions, a selfie of my hubbie & I, larger family pics and vacation pics. Both accounts are private, and I typically post the same content to each site. Fair to say, I’m not active and most pics aren’t of me!

Over the years, I have become less active (posting) on mainstream social media. Time constraints play a role but I’m also conscious of the feedback loop, checking for “likes” and comments. I also spend much less time scrolling both sites. I’m aware of curated and filtered images which only capture the best of people’s lives. I have growing concern of the negative effects of social media on kids and myself. The psychological impact on mood/self-image and “FOMO” is real, so I try to limit time spent on these platforms.

I enjoy varied content from Youtube, Pinterest, Reddit, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok where the focus is on lifestyle, health and wellness, decorating, fashion, self-discovery, motivation etc. I follow health and national news content on Twitter (something that started during the Pandemic). The Reddit sub “sciatica” was a life saver for me during my year-long struggle with debilitating back and leg pain. The support community was so validating and uplifting. I also follow several researchers/experts/doctors who post content related to mental health, for ex. anxiety, trauma, vulnerability, motivation etc. all of which interest me both personally and professionally.

Over the last couple of years, I have started listening to Podcasts as an extension of the Instagram or YouTube accounts I follow. I feel so much more energized and productive listening to a thought-provoking podcast while taking a brisk walk. I’m loving Mel Robbins and my forever fav “We Can do Hard Things” with Glennon Doyle and “Unlocking Us” with Brene Brown are top of my list.