Working in media and social media means non-stop scrutiny of the news agenda. You don’t want to miss that newsjacking opportunity, that journo request, or that latest Google algorithm update post.
The average Briton checks their phone 28 times a day, and let’s face it, social media has become an angry place. So how can someone who works in social media and PR strike the balance where they can get what they need from social without getting sucked into the constant bunfight? I asked my Twitter network for their tips.
Three themes emerge:
Turn On: Limit your time, pick appropriate channels
Tune In: Curate your feed carefully
Drop Out: Take time out – for your own good!
Personally speaking, I have long since deleted the Facebook app from my phone, keeping only Facebook Messenger, and barely update my status or check anyone else’s. So, if you’ve had kids or got married in the last year, apologies, I will have missed that.
Twitter’s harder, because of its always-on nature, so here’s what the UK PR industry recommends:
Turn On…
We need to know what’s going on in the world, but we need to regulate when we log on. Personally, I restrict myself now to BBC Breakfast at the start of the day, one check on BBC and The Guardian for balance at lunch, and then again no later than 8pm. I’ve lost enough sleep over events that are out of my control since, well, 23 June 2016…
Here’s what other people said…
Careful curation. Don’t follow anyone who’s cruel. I can get out of my echo chamber elsewhere so tend to engage with people I know and like. And switch off at weekends (mostly).
— katehartley (@katehartley) January 16, 2020
Take certain apps off your phone, book timeslots for yourself to check in on necessary social media, schedule so you have a baseline and take time off regularly. Have a strategy, share the load…
— Ellen Carroll (@Ellen_Carroll) January 16, 2020
A year ago I deleted various social networks’ apps from my phone & had to log in through my phone browser – this helped reduce noise & manage endless scrolling.
— Nafisa Ali Shafiq (@NafisaShafiq) January 17, 2020
Work related accounts – we have an office hours & out of hours rota.
Also, managing notifications has helped.
Tune In…
My Twitter community recommend curating topics and sources that are going to add value to your work, and educate and entertain you. I have unfollowed many toxic accounts on Twitter or just angry people. There’s no point engaging with them anyway because no one ever changed anyone’s mind on social media…
Tweetdeck columns and twitter lists are essential for me. Fine tuning what I see, and allowing me to block out negativity / harmful content. I also have seperate accounts, 1 professional and 1 not so much – means it’s not all about work all the time.
— Harry Gardiner (@hr_gardiner) January 16, 2020
Went through this about 12 months ago. My advice is to shutter networks you don’t want to use personally, even if you need a profile for work. I have profiles on FB & INST but am inactive. Curate others carefully with lists & take notifications off your mobile 👍
— Paul Sutton (@ThePaulSutton) January 16, 2020
When I was fully hooked up and on it all the time I’d moan about the algorithmically curated feed, but when you only use it 2-4 times a day it actually helps. I’ve also unfollowed some of the more shouty or opinionated accounts, left and right, which is helpful.
— Darryl Sparey (@DarrylSparey) January 16, 2020
I have unfollowed many toxic accounts on Twitter or just angry people. There’s no point engaging with them anyway because no one ever changed anyone’s mind on social media…
I allocate different work types to certain times of day incl. reading/listening to Saved content by strands. eg, Influencer, Reputation, SEO. A fear of missing a detail is always there. Turning off phone and alerts and putting it in another room works on weekend! 👏😂
— Delia (@deliagolds) January 17, 2020
My approach may be a bit different. Rather than tune out, I focus on what I enjoy. So Insta is just photography, for instance. Also, discipline on reading habits – I choose quality long-form over infinite scrolling ‘brain rot’!
— Michael White (@michaelwhite1) January 16, 2020
RSS rather than social channels via @NewsBlur . I’ve taken a subscription in some publications as well: Wired US, FT, Monocle
— G.C. (@r_c) January 16, 2020
Haven’t found that balance myself, so will read the post with interest. I have taken a big step back the last 18 months, especially on Twitter but can’t make a complete break. It’s got to be self-discipline I think.
— Paul Allen (@PaulieA) January 16, 2020
Drop Out…
It’s OK to take a break every now and then and take a digital detox.
I hear you. Taking a break from it really helps. Otherwise manage it ruthlessly.
— Stephen Waddington (@wadds) January 16, 2020
I think some of it is about giving yourself a break. I really struggled with the FOMO piece and not being on top of everything the moment it happened. Then I just learned to chill out about it. DM is you’d like to know more.
— Phil Szomszor (@philszomszor) January 16, 2020
Look forward to seeing the piece – good topic.
I took about 6 months away, more or less total cold turkey. Really helped be more “present” with the family, and less annoyed about stuff that really, really doesn’t matter. Tentatively dipping in a toe in now since new year, but very carefully, and only 2-4 bursts per day
— Darryl Sparey (@DarrylSparey) January 16, 2020
No notifications on phone. Long breaks (hours to days) without social. Unfollow negative people or friends who like to troll. Spending more time outside or with loved ones, away from the computer. Stay away from the news.
— Sweena (@sweena) January 16, 2020
So, personally, I major on LinkedIn nowadays, with limited dips into Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. I am going to continue to cull the overly political feeds – even those I agree with – and generally spend my time being more productive elsewhere.
What would your tips be? Leave a comment or ping me on Twitter