Social Media Strategies

As a veteran, social media has become a double-edged sword in our lives. While it offers us an opportunity to stay connected with people across the globe, it can also expose us to an overwhelming amount of information, which can trigger negative emotions and lead to a sense of being disconnected from the world around us.

Over the years, I have become more aware of my social media habits & patterns, and have taken steps to ensure that I use these platforms in a deliberate & healthy manner. In this article, I will share some of the strategies that have worked for me, and which can help other veterans find balance in their social media use.

1. Define your inner circle

One of the most important things I have done is to define my inner circle on social media. I use Snapchat to stay connected with less than 10 people, who are most important to me, and who are mostly related to me. By limiting my contacts to only my inner circle, I can give my time and attention to those who matter most to me, and avoid being distracted by random information from strangers.

2. Be selective with personal connections

On my personal Facebook & Instagram accounts, I am selective with the people I connect with. I only connect with individuals that I have had some level of interaction with in person. These are people who I know & trust, and whose presence in my life is valuable to me. By being selective with my connections, I can share important memories and seek inspiration from those who are closest to me.

3. Remove toxic connections

It is important to remove toxic connections from our social media accounts. If someone is posting things that are offensive or triggering, it is better to remove them from your feed. Negative content can take a toll on your mental health, and it is important to prioritize your well-being. I remove contacts that post things that I find offensive or triggering, and I often encourage my peers to do the same.

4. Focus on your professional connections

On my professional Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts, I focus on sharing information that will benefit my community, grow my podcast, and interest my followers & connections. While I may not follow back everyone who connects with me on these platforms, I am open to engaging with them and sharing valuable content. This allows me to network with other professionals in addition to expanding my reach.

By setting up my social media accounts in a deliberate manner, I have been able to reduce stress & focus on the relationships, friendships, and community that matter to me. As a veteran, I understand the importance of taking back control of our time and prioritizing our mental health. I encourage fellow veterans to consider their social media habits and find ways to use these platforms in a deliberate & healthy manner. By doing so, we can stay connected with the people who matter most to us, while avoiding the negative aspects of social media that can impact our well-being.

I’d love to hear about how my LinkedIn network sets up their own social media and the strategies they employ to manage those networks. Please feel free to continue the conversation in the comments area for this article.

Thanks for taking the time to read & engage with conversation!

Gresh