Do you ever find yourself in a scroll time warp?
Do you have to make a conscious effort NOT to open your social media channel?
Do you jump on ‘just to post a quick pic’ and then realise you’ve been scrolling mindlessly for 15, 20, 30 minutes or more?
Well, you’ll be relieved to know that you are not alone! Social media addiction is real and the issue has hit an all time epidemic with young people and oldies alike.
Whether you want to admit that you’re addicted or not, if you wake up in the morning and grab your phone to have a quick look on socials or if it’s the last thing you do before you go to sleep, if it’s your go-to when you’re waiting for your coffee to be served, or if you’re jumping on when you’re in a real person social situation – you have a social media habit.
As an advocate for all things health and as a trusted source of information and support for my community I am making a BOLD move, leading the way to a brighter future and maybe just maybe committing business suicide along the way.
So, without further ado we are cutting our ties with the vice that has humanity under a spell. You will no longer find us on Facebook or Instagram for the simple reason that we will be living the life that we promote for real, rather than posting filtered versions of what make us look like we are.
There is so much information out there now that realises the emotional and mental issues associated with excessive social media use. A couple of weeks ago I watched a documentary with my 11 year old son. He is at an age where many of his peers have phones, most of them are on screens throughout the day and their developing brains are not equipped to look objectively at the long term effects of their actions.
So, I am working on being informed and proactive to support my child through this very real experience we call life which is eye opening and alarming in so many ways!
The fact is, this generation of youth are the experiment. They are the first generation to be born into the technical age of mobile screens that are designed to keep us scrolling and it is no coincidence that the rate of childhood depression, anxiety and suicide is double what is was when I was growing up (which wasn’t that long ago).
1 in 3 children 3-17 years old now have anxiety and 1 in 5 report clinical depression.
Not to mention these statistics are only the children who actually seek medical advice. There are many others who will suffer in silence and never get help, never be put on the statistic list, never be recognised for their suffering. Depression and anxiety has become the new norm from a very young age – and these need us to lead the way to help them!
So what you might say? I don’t have kids, it doesn’t affect me, my kid is okay, I’m only on social media for my friends/family/work…. I know I know, I’ve told myself the same. I can manage it – I’ll use it sparingly – it’s how I keep in touch with family – I have to for my work.
The thing is, social media is harming us. What are the effects on the next generation’s mental, physical, and spiritual health?
For the first time in history, mental illness and suicide have become one of the greatest threats to school-aged children. Many parents still view dangers as primarily physical and external, but they’re missing the real danger: kids spending more time online and less time engaging in real life, free play, and autonomy. But it’s not just our youth who are being affected. It’s each and every person who engages in constant scrolling. And the change has to start from us.
Where to from here? How will you know what we are doing? Where can you find us? HOW WILL WE SURVIVE???
Well, first of all – we are here, in studio, in person, in the flesh FOR REAL. We are also online if you want to roll a mat out at home.
I am committed to spending more time communicating to you just like this, via email. So keep an eye out. Each email will include a video, a take home titbit that will improve your pilates AND you can find more info here on our website BLOG page.
Lastly and most importantly we will survive thanks to YOU. Your word of mouth counts. What you say to your friends matters and you are our voice.
So, if you like what we do and you want to support us, just tell someone, anyone. Share the joy of Pilates with the people that matter to you. Tell a friend, tell a co-worker, tell the guy slouching at the counter! Because we are community and you belong with us!
Oh – and if you wanna watch the doco or learn more about the social media drug, CHILDHOOD 2.0 – it’s for everyone and its free. https://www.childhood2movie.com/
Stay tuned for more Pilates goodness and less scrolling mindlessness.