Refusing To Do The 10-Day Social Media Fast

[RevTestament]

34 minutes ago, The Mean Farmer said:

 

I though about wording that differently for a few minutes, but thought it would be fun to see the reactions to the poorly worded sentence.   I think it is definitely worth it.

And I did actually say use the word abstain instead of fast.   I hope Pres. Nelson includes Anime and reality TV in there as well.

Oh, my son, the anime addict, would have a complete kaniption fit - unless it gets put in the 2 day fast part of the speech....

[The Mean Farmer]

18 minutes ago, The Nehor said:

Throw wasting time watching sports in there too while we are at it.

I suspect there is a reason we have a prophet offering these kinds of things and not a bunch of curmudgeons such as myself picking on all our pet peeves.

 

You found my Vice.  I like football...and Fiji Rugby!!!!   

[Rain]

4 hours ago, stemelbow said:

I admit I don't even know who you are condemning with this "out-of-touch" business.  I suppose I missed something.  I"m just thinking of all the women who have chosen not to fast.  Someone early on seemed to say something like, "if my daugher's young woman's leader said she wasn't going to fast, I'd have a problem with it"  (not a quote...I admit I'm not eager to back and re-read the thread as there was plenty of unpleasantries if you ask me, and as I recall)  or something.  That feels personal and condemning to me.  Saying some leader of the Church is out of touch on something like this, seems a general observation and has nothing to do with condemning.  But again, I don't know what you are talking about.  Im just commenting on the OP's observation of a daughter-in-law and her ward friends deciding not to fast. 

Something LIKE that, but it meant something very different than you are paraphrasing.

Edited October 10, 2018 by Rain

[Calm]

6 hours ago, Jeanne said:

I hope things get better for you Calm.  My prayers are with you in overcoming the health issues you deal with.

Thank you.  New things pop up as expected with age, but overall there has been lots of improvement.  I think my biggest difficulty is learning to let go with Mom, stop feeling guilty about things I can't do anything about (mostly trying to please her when she isn't able to even know what she wants and is prone to telling people what she thinks they want to hear).  I had this vision of her last years, me helping her do all those things she never had the time or support for, and she would tell me how much she was looking forward to it and it turned out to be very different from the reality (we need to really pay attention to what kind of choices we make in our lives because that either demonstrates what is actually important to us or it becomes important to us no matter what our dreams are).  

When I stress about Mom, the physical stuff gets out of whack easier plus I don't pay attention to my own needs as well.  Hopefully I am learning stuff that will make it easier for my kids when they get to do this for us (though I would prefer medicine solve things by then, unlikely though).  This is probably all typical stuff for parental caregivers.

Edited October 9, 2018 by Calm

[sunstoned]

13 hours ago, BlueDreams said:

I don't think so. I've worked with a number of people where social media was driving a lowered sense of self worth, high comparison, and disconnection in closer relationships (like with their spouse...I have had to facillitate them curtailing media use to increase the whoopy and general togetherness time far more than once). It doesn't necessarily effect all of them in said way, just a significant number for it to be a pattern. There's growing amount of studies that link social media use to anxiety and depression and a reduce sense of satisfaction in ones life. People connect through social media, yes, but it's often in less deep and meaningful ways than you would in person (obviously there's exceptions). There has also been reports and research that indicate a growing amount of loneliness in younger generations, especially. I, as a millennial, have been super cautious about social media cuz it seemed like a waste of time. To this day I only have facebook and I rarely post. But I have more time for things that I love, I feel lucky to say I have a number of deep and meaningful friendships that if I needed something, I know I could call them for help. A lot in my generation often can't say the same. That said, I plan to take a fast soon on other forms of media that aren't necessarily bad, but have become time fillers to other activities I get more satisfaction from (like painting or reading) and need a little more time for anyways.

So no, I don't think it's silly. Social media is good...in moderation. And I think a lot of us, especially younger generations, have been prone to it taking over their lives.

 

With luv,

BD   

I respect your opinion, and like any form of communication, there positives and negatives.  It depends on what a person is looking for.  But you don't throw the baby out with the bath water.  Many people's jobs rely on communication through social media.  I believe it is valid to compare this type of networking/commination with the telephone.  The only difference really is that the phone has been around for a much longer time.  People are use to it, so it is not so scarry to older people.

One of the definitions of social media is: 

Quote

Websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking. (dictionary.com)

Going by this definition, this very site would be considered social media.  It is a little hard to tell, but I have not yet noticed a big down turn in people posting and browsing this site this week.

[sunstoned]

12 hours ago, ksfisher said:

Are you not aware of the negative effects of social media on people?

https://sites.psu.edu/aspsy/2015/11/16/social-media-and-the-negative-impact-on-individuals/

http://www.technocrazed.com/top-10-negative-effects-of-social-media-on-children-and-teenagers

https://sites.ewu.edu/cmst496-stafford/2012/06/06/the-effects-of-social-media-on-children/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2017/06/30/a-run-down-of-social-medias-effects-on-our-mental-health/#361dbc872e5a

https://childmind.org/article/how-using-social-media-affects-teenagers/

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/social-medias-impact-on-self-esteem_us_58ade038e4b0d818c4f0a4e4

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2792691/

etc

etc

etc

There are positives and negitives to any communication vehicle.  There are 900 numbers and scams assocated with phone services.  Are we going to take a time out from our phones next?

[bluebell]

1 minute ago, sunstoned said:

I respect your opinion, and like any form of communication, there positives and negatives.  It depends on what a person is looking for.  But you don't throw the baby out with the bath water.  Many people's jobs rely on communication through social media.  I believe it is valid to compare this type of networking/commination with the telephone.  The only difference really is that the phone has been around for a much longer time.  People are use to it, so it is not so scarry to older people.

One of the definitions of social media is: 

Going by this definition, this very site would be considered social media.  It is a little hard to tell, but I have not yet noticed a big down turn in people posting and browsing this site this week.

That’s probably because the prophet never said when we had to begin the 10 day media fast challenge. 

[BlueDreams]

31 minutes ago, sunstoned said:

I respect your opinion, and like any form of communication, there positives and negatives.  It depends on what a person is looking for.  But you don't throw the baby out with the bath water.  Many people's jobs rely on communication through social media.  I believe it is valid to compare this type of networking/commination with the telephone.  The only difference really is that the phone has been around for a much longer time.  People are use to it, so it is not so scarry to older people.

One of the definitions of social media is: 

Going by this definition, this very site would be considered social media.  It is a little hard to tell, but I have not yet noticed a big down turn in people posting and browsing this site this week.

In no way does this equate the use of that metaphor. Nelson didn't ask for people to stop working if social media is necessary for their career. And he also didn't ask that we give up social media as a whole...just as a time limited "fast." The way it was worded it definitely entailed ones own discernment as to what forms of media to include in said fast. Communication through social media is not entirely equivalent to telephone communication....there is a greater level of necessity to certain things that social media hasn't fully reached.Well, except in our minds. And reservations to it do not have to equal being scared of something new. As mentioned, several leaders have embraced it as means for missionary and positive tools/outreach towards others.  To me, that doesn't equal fear. 

You're right, this site can be included in social media or any media that President Nelson also mentioned being clipped for 10 days. I'm planning to put it on my fasting list as this site can be time consuming. But since, as BB noted, there's no start date. I'm planning it out a little more conscientiously than just a wholesale cut....especially sense getting rid of the one pure form of social media in my life (FB) is pretty easy to do. Social media isn't my biggest problem to what I want to get from the Fast. I want more time and space free from informational clutter and want to try to take a break from the current political dramas. And I want to use that time to fill it with more important things/goals that have been way-sided. So I'm taking time to decide just how to do it. It will likely be different from other people on this site and at a different time. 

 

With luv,

BD

[MiserereNobis]

8 hours ago, Storm Rider said:

Playing the martyr is so much more gratifying than actually thinking with your mind and engaging in sincere conversation. 

I know, it's terrible. I mean, those women were out to get him, probably paid by Soros. Poor guy! It's a terrible time for young men right now.

Right?

 

[Rain]

1 hour ago, sunstoned said:

I respect your opinion, and like any form of communication, there positives and negatives.  It depends on what a person is looking for.  But you don't throw the baby out with the bath water.  Many people's jobs rely on communication through social media.  I believe it is valid to compare this type of networking/commination with the telephone.  The only difference really is that the phone has been around for a much longer time.  People are use to it, so it is not so scarry to older people.

One of the definitions of social media is: 

Going by this definition, this very site would be considered social media.  It is a little hard to tell, but I have not yet noticed a big down turn in people posting and browsing this site this week.

 

1 hour ago, bluebell said:

That’s probably because the prophet never said when we had to begin the 10 day media fast challenge. 

And he didn’t tell everyone what sites to fast from or that we needed to do them all. He said to be prayerful about which media and social media we should fast from -specifically those that gave us negative or impure thoughts. That's going to be different for many people.

[halconero]

He asked the youth last time. For women’s session he asked women. Given next time its men’s sessions he’ll probably ask men.

Given that he also asked us to prayerful consider what counts or not, that seems readonable.

I think both the early Saints and the early apostates would probably agree that whoever is leaving over this a bit ridonk.

[The Nehor]

4 hours ago, halconero said:

He asked the youth last time. For women’s session he asked women. Given next time its men’s sessions he’ll probably ask men.

Given that he also asked us to prayerful consider what counts or not, that seems readonable.

I think both the early Saints and the early apostates would probably agree that whoever is leaving over this a bit ridonk.

Who would have thought we would come up with a way of making the (admittedly overblown) cream strippings story seem lucid and rational by comparison.

[Navidad]

On 10/8/2018 at 12:36 PM, Jane_Doe said:

There are some people who are just unhappy on whatever is done.  I don't know if these ladies that we're hearing about via the grapevine count in the boat, and I have no way of knowing.

For me (and yes I am a Millennial woman), conference was very much on point, especially Elder Anderson's talk on wounded souls.  I can take inspiration and wisdom from folks of all genders and ages.  

Jane: Can you provide a link to Elder Anderson's talk? That sounds wonderful; something I would love to read or hear.

[Rain]

1 hour ago, Navidad said:

Jane: Can you provide a link to Elder Anderson's talk? That sounds wonderful; something I would love to read or hear.

Not Jane, but here you go.

[Tacenda]

Most of my FB friends don't post now, so they are following the prophet. Not me, I guess I'm passed that, but do remember adhering while wholly faithful to the church leaders suggestions.

[Rain]

3 hours ago, Tacenda said:

Most of my FB friends don't post now, so they are following the prophet. Not me, I guess I'm passed that, but do remember adhering while wholly faithful to the church leaders suggestions.

Maybe instead of worrying about what church leaders are suggesting, taking it to God and see what he has to say about it for you?

Edited October 10, 2018 by Rain

[mnn727]

On 10/8/2018 at 1:20 PM, ALarson said:

I was just talking to my son about conference and he told me his wife and a large group of women in their ward are refusing to participate in the 10-day fast and feel it's horrible that only the women were asked to do this.  I was pretty shocked to hear this because my daughter-in-law is in the YW's presidency and is very active in the ward.  My son told me that there are other groups of women choosing not to do the fast in his area as well (according to his wife).  And....they are posting more than their usual instagram posts and facebook posts, etc., starting today in protest.

I honestly can see why women may wonder why the men weren't asked to give up social media for 10 days too, but I did not realize some would feel so strongly about it!  Now, these are all younger marrieds (the age of my daughter-in-law) as far as I know who are very active in the church.

Do you feel they are within their rights to do this?  It's a touchy topic, I know....

Thats the first step to apostasy. Not so much for refusing a suggestion from the Prophet, but for turning it into a "cause". Many of these women are on their way out the door unless they repent and turn from their ways.

[mnn727]

On 10/8/2018 at 4:38 PM, Rain said:

I'm laughing about this idea and my husband - he has twitter and facebook for the express purpose of frequent flier miles/points. I set them up. I usually log in for him. He only uses it to "check in" for points. He is such a big introvert he can't understand why you would want to use the sites socially. He is really going to laugh when I ask him to join me. 😀

I have to agree with him, I have no clue why anyone would use a facebook or twitter account -  they make zero sense to me.

[stemelbow]

16 hours ago, Rain said:

Something LIKE that, but it meant something very different than you are paraphrasing.

What did it mean?  I didn't mean to misrepresent.  As I said, I wrote it out from memory.  

[Storm Rider]

11 hours ago, MiserereNobis said:

I know, it's terrible. I mean, those women were out to get him, probably paid by Soros. Poor guy! It's a terrible time for young men right now.

Right?

 

 

I don't think so. I don't think that debacle of a process had anything to do with some wizard of oz behind the curtain pulling strings and manipulating people. For me personally, I thought it was a joke because his entire professional career was without blemish. He was a strong supporter of mentoring women and men and never a hint of sexual abuse. The letter to Senator Feinstein being sat on for so long, and that silliness - that was orchestrated. Was he or was he not guilty of being falling down drunk and he made bad decisions? I still don't know. I don't think the accuser's story holds water, but let's assume he was guilty. Do I think something you, do as a teenager with a clumsy interaction with the opposite sex, should be prevented from ever getting a job, of any kind at any level in government? No - heck no. 

By the way, I will make the allegation again - Senator Feinstein abused five boys on the playground when she was in elementary school. They were abused and felt marginalized and it affects them to this day with low self-esteem. No what?  At what point do we say it really doesn't matter?  This is a question we are not dealing with. We must either fall down on our knees and worship at the great poobah of - A woman speaks and therefore it is the truth - or we are degenerates who don't trust women ever. No one thinks, no one evaluates and some have forgotten why we have due process in this country. 

[mnn727]

On 10/8/2018 at 9:57 PM, sunstoned said:

I think it is just silly. Things like this lead me to believe that the leadership is out of touch.  People connect through social media.  Please support each other through social media.  People stay in touch through social media.  A ten day social media fast is about as silly as asking president Nelson to take a ten day telephone fast.

Thou shall have no other Gods before me -  not even social media gods

[Rain]

1 hour ago, mnn727 said:

I have to agree with him, I have no clue why anyone would use a facebook or twitter account -  they make zero sense to me.

Well, he has only used message boards in one small time frame as well. He had some odd working conditions and the only way we could figure for him to to be able to talk with me was on a thread to me on a message board. It was a board that was little used and we didn't say anything that needed to be private, but it was a good way to keep in touch through that tough time. But talking on a board like this? No way. Lol

[mnn727]

On 10/9/2018 at 9:23 AM, bluebell said:

People need food to live, eat food to socialize and celebrate, must cook food for children and those in need.  Food literally keeps us alive and unites our society.  And our leaders know all of that.  They completely and fully understand all of the good that food accomplishes in our lives and in the world. Yet, our leaders still ask us to fast from food regularly, because fasting, despite our (logical) dependance on food, is actually good for us.  I don't see why the same can't be true for social media.  And I also don't see why asking someone to fast from social media means that they are out of touch with what social media is or accomplishes in the world.  

Members of the church in earlier centuries were asked to suffer through so much.  They were asked to do things that resulted in the death of loved ones and abject poverty.  They were asked to sacrifice homes, belongings, comforts, time, even dishes.  They were asked to live polygamy and the law of consecration.

But our leaders ask us to go 10 days without social media and people are angry!  People are actually protesting!  They're saying it's not fair.  That it's too much to ask.  That if our leaders actually knew what they were asking, if they were actually inspired and lead by God, they would never ask anyone to sacrifice social media for 10 days.   

It's a little bit embarrassing to see just how little we, as a people, are willing to sacrifice for our beliefs now (and that a prophet leads God's church is one of our beliefs).  It's a little embarrassing to see how far we've fallen (and I include myself in that).

"Many People are willing to die for their religion, but few are willing to live it" -- attributed to Brigham Young

[Jeanne]

How is anyone going to ask anyone else to stay away from media boards if you have missionaries online?

[rockpond]

I feel that each sister (and each member) needs to use some amount of personal judgment in taking on Pres. Nelson’s social media fast challenge.  I’ll share my thoughts and I’m curious if others here think I’m off base. 

It seems to me that his concern is with the “fakeness” of social media.  People only sharing the glossy images of their lives and making viewers/readers feel that their lives are somehow less. 

I am on board with that concern. 

But social media is more than that...

For some, social media is their primary source of news. For others, it is a marketing tool and relationship building tool for their occupation.   Certainly he isn’t asking people to stop promoting their businesses for 10 days, is he?

The there is the question of how to define “social media”.  My wife asked me that question last night.  She uses GroupMe with a group of friends to easily communicate with one another.  Is that social media?

We has a similar debate with my son after President Nelson’s challenge to youth this past summer.  My son uses the discord server to communicate wii his friends.  Is that social media?

My childrens’ schools use Facebook and Twitter to communicate with parents.  Do we need to stay away from those for 10 days?

Our ward has a Facebook page used to share and make announcements.  Is that off limits for the duration of the fast?

I use linked in for work... social media?

How about this site?  In what ways are these forums substantially different than social media?

I’m not asking for answers to the above specifics... just saying that it seems to me, each person needs to look at the spirit of Pres. Nelson’s request and do what is needed to fulfill it in their lives.