As a man who is apparently not yet required to take a break from social media (what’s the over/under on it happening next April?), I have stayed alive in the digital realm, only to view innumerable posts saying that you, dear ladies (who probably won’t read this for the next six days) are on a social media fast.
Okay, okay! We get it! You are among the righteous elite. When the Prophet issues a call, you answer, and you make sure everyone knows you answer. As if one last fusillade to the world of your eager followers, you have announced to all that because of how Mormon Latter-day Saint you are, you shall not be on social media for the next 10 days. Congrats. We all know. I’m not sure how your MLM downstream, food blog, or lifestyle brand will survive during this time, but to quote the estimable Ian Malcom, “Life finds a way.”
As much as I love Twitter, I’m leaving it behind to partake in the #socialmediafast as instructed by the prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, President Russel M Nelson. Bye, everyone. I’ll see you in 10 days. ??
— Dasani (@BelnapDasani) October 8, 2018
No one loves Twitter. Don’t be silly.
Or let’s enjoy this fine individual that felt the need to stage a shot with her daughter to announce her piety:
Influencers gotta influence, amirite?
Others:
This one managed to parlay the fast into whatever bridal business she’s pushing:
This life coach will carry you through such an arduous period:
The over 40 crowd also has this covered, and you WILL KNOW IT:
The hair stylist industry is on top of things. Don’t worry:
An important giveaway announcement to take with you as you step back from Insta:
And so forth and so forth.
To be clear, a social media fast is a great idea! 100% on board! Taking a step back from the addictive enticements of one’s feed, which is filled with innumerable bits of content to take one away from Christ—to say nothing of doubting one’s self worth via unfair comparisons and Pinterest guilt—can be a therapeutic, even cathartic experience. I have no doubt the majority of women (and men) who participate in this will be happy for doing so, feeling more centered and at peace by the end of the process.
But that being the case, what are you serving by turning your social media announcement into something about yourself? Do not misread me, I’m well aware that for every ridiculous post embedded above, there are 10 other that come from a good place of wanting to follow the prophet. I also recognize that publishing about one’s social media fast can be a great way to get the word out. After all, social media exists to provide innovative ways for people to connect and share ideas, so what better way to get women off of social media for 10 days than to have all of them post about it?
Let’s remember the counsel from the Lord in 3 Nephi 13 (also in Matthew):
3 But when thou doest alms let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth;
4 That thine alms may be in secret; and thy Father who seeth in secret, himself shall reward thee openly.
5 And when thou prayest thou shalt not do as the hypocrites, for they love to pray, standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward.
It is not sinful to make an announcement about some sort of spiritual endeavor, but in the case of the many Latter-day Saint “influencers” who are pushing lifestyle brands, it completely defeats the purpose and makes it about you and your little side hustle. Are we so vain that we think people need to know that we’re not sharing some filtered image? Do we think anyone is going to notice if we don’t post for a week and a half? Are we really that insecure that we need others to respond to what we are doing as if to validate it?
My advice at the risk of being accused of mansplaining: take your fast without sharing a word, especially if you are an adult. Teenagers are working through all sorts of things and get a pass.
Overall, I think the social media fast is great. Heck, I might do one if I can figure out how to manage my social media-centric work duties with the effort. And to be fair, many use social media for an actual business, and stepping back from that business could be a risky endeavor. But is posting about a fast while using it as a bridge to supplement your business in the same spirit of fasting one might take otherwise?
Unfortunately, there are also some arguing that this campaign was suggested as some sort of effort to undermine women. Hogwash. I do not think the social media fast is the result of some nefarious ploy to tamper down the #MeToo movement or to thwart female election campaigns mere weeks before the midterms. No, those are just byproducts. Besides, no one said the social media fast had to start immediately following the closing of General Conference. I imagine God trusts you enough to figure out the best window to use to take it.
In fact, if you want to look at unfortunate timing, see the promotional campaign for the upcoming film, Jane and Emma, which is leaning on women as a key demographic to get the word out. Church-owned LDS Living put out a reminder about how to support the film merely a few days after General Conference ended, when many women are (reportedly) not on Facebook:
But again, you could take the fast next week, or next month, or next year, even! Study it out in your mind and pray about what makes the most sense to you. I do not begrudge anyone for hopping right on the fast if it suits your needs, but there’s no greater value in doing it now or later. Be sensible!
I would love to live in a world where we don’t feel the need to announce how spiritual we are. We’re not competing with anyone to merit Christ’s grace. He loves you as you are for who you are.
