The Organic Aisle of Social Media
Are some social media apps healthier than others?
This week, a presidential panel of the American Psychological Association issued a health advisory for the use of social media by adolescents, noting that “while these platforms can promote healthy socialization, their use should be preceded by training in social media literacy to ensure that youth have skills that will maximize the chances for balanced, safe and meaningful experiences.”
Let’s GO.
So grateful for this committee highlighting the need we feel as parents for help with social media training. Today’s parents are doing our best at navigating the digital world—and yet we still have so many more questions than we do answers. Right? And sometimes, it’s the most basic ones that make us scratch our heads. For example, here’s one I’ve been wrestling with recently:
“Hey Krista. You’ve shared seven soundbites to teach your kids before they enter the social media world…but what exactly counts as “social media?”
It’s a simple question, but the answer is, well…layered.
So. The root of the word media comes from Latin, where it has the meaning "middle ground. '' Simply put: media is something that exists between us. Sometimes it’s a person—a mediator. Sometimes it is information—a letter in the mail, a mass news broadcast, a report. In the Social Compass newsletter, we focus on unpacking the medium of digital platforms and sites—promising to connect you and me. So we can be more social—have more companionship and community.
According to Qustodio’s Annual Report, the top five social media apps used by today’s children are: Snapchat. Tiktok. Pinterest. Facebook. And…Reddit. (I know. Wildcard, right? Turns out Instagram was on the decline in 2022, while BeReal was on the rise.) Each of these social apps are not only “media” but they’re also “mediated” by companies focused on making profit, no matter how they get it.
Okay. Seems obvious…but what about communication apps like Marco Polo, GroupMe, or group texts? Are these social media?
Yes—by the definition above, these are social media apps. But here’s where it gets interesting…these types of communication apps are actually healthier for you (and your kids!).
Wait, what?…Are you saying that some social media apps are healthier than others? Why? How can I teach my kids the difference?
Social media apps like Marco Polo and GroupMe don’t include advertisements or AI. Which means they don’t use algorithms to manipulate you. Which means they aren’t as likely to take you places you didn’t intend to go. If these apps were at the grocery story, you’d find them in the organic section.
Are there still challenges that will pop up in these communication apps? Absolutely. Because they’re used by humans. But in these purified apps, the challenges aren’t exacerbated by a third party who is making money off of our mistakes, our fears, our craving for friendship and connection.
Ad-driven apps aren’t only filled with extra ingredients like a Big Mac…they’re also an echo of Eden, where a third party undermines the goodness and beauty of deep, meaningful relationships with God and with each other.
So here’s my encouragement this week: if you don’t know where to start with social media training, start with the basics. Teach your kids the definition of social media…but instead of lumping all social media apps into the “bad for you" category, help your kids learn to locate the organic section of the social media world.
xo, kb
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Need a cheat sheet to start a convo with your kids about which social media apps are better than others?
Healthy Social Media Apps:
No ads or AI
Fewer “like” buttons
Family room feeling
Connect you to people you know in real life
More like eating a product you’d find at Whole Foods
Unhealthy Social Media Apps:
Likely using AI and “like” buttons to learn about you
Use this data to make money by showing you ads
These platforms “know” you, but they don’t love you
Make more money when you are angry, lonely, and scared
Connect you to countless acquaintances, strangers, and robots
More like eating a product you’d find in a junk food aisle
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Mother’s Day is just around the corner! Which means… lots of social media love for our mamas. And lots of folks frantically looking for a gift for the special mom in our lives. If that’s you, Well Framed is available on Amazon Prime and pairs nicely with a small bundle of flowers or a new coffee mug! Want to kick it up a notch? Grab mom an Aro—a smartbox that helps families put down their phones to connect, relax, and recharge. Use the code MOTHERSDAY at checkout and receive a free month on their annual and two-year memberships. We are one month in to our Aro subscription at the Boan house and have fallen in love with the way this little device is helping our family change our relationship with our phone—and with everyone around us, especially each other.
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This last tip is just for fun—no pressure! Been thinking more and more about how I can live out the Social Compass principles in my own social media life. This Mother’s Day, I’m excited to experiment with hitting “reverse” on the selfie button, and instead point my feed to Mamas in my life who are unsung heroes. I’d love for you all to join me—and when you do, use the hashtag #wellframedmama so I can cheer you on! Let’s see what ways we can use social media this week to bring hope and healing to women who often unrecognized.