Perhaps it’s a case of information overload, but I have found myself cutting back on my use of social media networks. The other day I got an invitation to join Newsle (what sort of name is that to begin with?!? Short form for ‘newsletter’? *cringe*) which gives you news about your friends supposedly. According to its website, it’ll let you know whenever you or your friends are mentioned online, e.g. your friend wins an award or is arrested, or when a former colleague starts a company.

I wasn’t inclined to sign up, ‘cos really, I don’t need another social media network even if this one is trying to cut out irrelevant news and only deliver stuff that (supposedly) matter. Facebook is already more than enough for me and I haven’t – and don’t intend to – jumped on the Twitter bandwagon. I have an Instagram and Weibo account but of late I have lost interest in every one of them. Though I still log on to them, I log on less frequently and now assume the role of a reader rather than an active participant. Occasionally, I will post some pictures or write something if say, I’m going back to Singapore, and it’s just to let friends know I’m back  home.  

When I was back in Singapore recently, I cleared some stuff in my room. I donated many books, old clothes and other stuff to the Salavation Army. It felt good to declutter and just own fewer things. Cutting back on my use of social media networks is a form of mental decluttering to me. Perhaps this situation has been brought about because I’ve been pondering about some life issues and that has made me mentally exhausted, which has in turn made me feel the need to filter out unnecessary information to give my mind a rest.     

Nevertheless, I think posting less on social media networks is good for me as it prevents me from spending too much time tinkling on my iPhone!