Denial As an Indicator of Addiction

As I’ve written this series on social media and the ways we attempt to use it to increase influence (and drive sales), I’ve heard from some of you. Particularly, two writers and a musician’s wife have reached out and shared their own opinions about the highs and lows of using social media to promote work. These creators—blessed be the creators—recognize the truth: social media can provide viable means of connecting with others, though that connection often comes with a price. The price? The sacrifice of attention to long, deep, and thoughtful work. Work that advances on more than just the social popularity of the creator.

The two writers—blessed be the writers—wrote separately. One shared her experience with an online group whose stated purpose was to help creators with both the craft and promotion of their work. Amy (not her real name) openly questioned whether continuing to use social media as a medium of promotion was worth the cost—the fracturing of attention, the anger of the medium, the spin-cycle of self-promotion. The response? Utter resistance. Social media was the best avenue to build an audience, they said. Twitter and Facebook were helping them reach their goals, they said. And though they might not have said it quite so clearly, I’m sure many believed they were on their way to becoming Influencers™.

Another writer (and a dear friend) shared a similar, though more discrete experience. She openly questioned the use of social media as a promotional technique on a major social network. She did not castigate it whole-hog. Instead, she raised very valid questions about the ways it distracts from long, beautiful, deep work (the kind of work authors of yesteryear were known for). Despite her large following and very valid arguments, the response was muted (as responses tend to be to these kinds of discussion tend to be on social media). Still, an Influencer™ responded and all but said the platforms were necessary for her kind of meaningful work.

Neither of those two authors (nor I) would argue that social media is inherently devoid of value. In fact, both writers (and I) still use social platforms from time to time. Still, doesn’t the knee-jerk reaction against those questioning social media’s efficacy sound familiar? Doesn’t it sound like the denial of an addict?

I’ll not go so far as to suggest what we’re addicted to (the platform or our own self-importance?), but today, I’m inviting you to reflect.

Ask yourself:

When someone suggests I step away from Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram for a season, what’s my reaction?
If I’m required to be on social media for my job, how much would business be affected by a one-month sabbatical?
Could I emotionally and mentally handle that kind of sabbatical?
Am I addicted to the platforms of social influence, platforms that often grab my attention by triggering anger, envy, lust, and pride?

If you’re up for it, shoot me an email and let me know how you answered these questions.

And if you’re struggling with social media addiction, consider grabbing a copy The Book of Waking Up: Experiencing the Divine Life That Reorders a Life. It’s about more than social media addiction, but I discuss the problem with some specificity.

Finally, please share this piece with those who might want to read along (change the email address in the form). Ask them to subscribe. Start a discussion with them about the social media ride America finds itself on, and together, let’s plot a different path forward.