One of the most counterintuitive truths about social media: the struggle against it often makes it worse. Acceptance — clearly misunderstood — is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Acceptance of Social Media Actually Means
Acceptance does NOT mean:
- Liking or approving of social media
- Giving up on getting better
- Thinking social media is okay
Acceptance DOES mean:
- Acknowledging social media without adding unnecessary struggle against the fact of its existence
- Allowing social media to be present without fighting it into bigger problems
- Making room for social media while still living your values
The ACT Approach to Social Media
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance as a core tool: instead of fighting social media, you learn to make room for it while committing to valued action regardless.
The Paradox of Accepting Social Media
Many people find that when they stop fighting social media and simply allow it, it loses intensity. The suffering of social media is partly the struggle against it.