I Took a Plunge into Social Media

It is commonly understood that introverts tend to have quieter social lives and may prefer solitude over socializing.

Sometimes, we may have the intention of socializing with people when we attend events or gatherings. However, when we actually arrive, we may become preoccupied with our own thoughts or feel uninterested in engaging in casual conversations.

"How then do introverts manage their desire for a social life?" This is a question that often comes to mind.

Speaking from my own experience, introverts enjoy being at home, but we also crave social interaction at times.

That’s where social media might play a crucial role in our lives as it allows us to be social while staying within the comfort of our homes.

Right? Well, not so much.

In this regard, I will describe my personal experience of plunging into social media as an introvert.

As I focused on promoting myself, doing what I loved, and building a brand that would attract followers, I found that socializing the way the world termed it felt superficial. Despite my efforts to become an influencer, I realized that I didn't have a genuine desire to connect with strangers.

Initially, it was enjoyable to put myself out there and be more outgoing. However, as time went on, I came to the realization that my motivation was simply to seek the approval of others, since society tends to favor extroverted individuals who socialize more.

As I pondered the idea of socializing, I questioned whether the desire to do so stemmed from genuine interest or the need for validation. Is it to let people know that you are capable of socializing?

Ultimately, as introverts, it is possible to engage in socializing, but it's important to be mindful of your intentions.

I discovered that I wasn't forming meaningful relationships with others, even though social media is supposed to be a platform for connection.

Interestingly, I found that engaging in other activities, such as writing a blog or publishing a book, helped me connect with people more than being on social media.

I realized that having one or two meaningful connections is more valuable than just pretending to socialize on social media from the comfort of my home.

This got me thinking, what does this say about introverts in general? Are we seeking validation by using social media?

Well, there are introverts who are popular on social media, but most of them get there by doing meaningful work. They didn't just get there because they had a desire to be famous. Most of them reached their status by showcasing their talents, building a career, or providing value to people.

So what’s my advice? My advice to those who want to take the plunge into social media is to let your motive be about your introverted values, not about others.

It's essential to refrain from considering what others may think and focus on our own perspective.

We need to contemplate what we genuinely desire and need. As an introvert, prioritize yourself and don’t put yourself in situations that make you uncomfortable, compromising your mental health, peace of mind, solitude, and alone time, just for the sake of socializing.

Final Thoughts

It's important to approach social media with a positive perspective. Quality over quantity is key. And hey, don't worry if you only have a few meaningful connections instead of thousands of random followers. Those few connections are truly valuable. What do you think about this topic? Share your thoughts below.