A few weeks ago, one of my closest friends confided the need for a break from their phone. And all I could feel was envy, because deep down I knew they were capable (and, frankly, deserved it), but I could not create my own separation from my mobile device.
For years, I have despised social media. Yes, I have Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts. It has its moments of fun. But my foray onto the platforms started as a way to stay connected with family, friends and local news; now, it’s the first thing I check when I wake up and the last thing I look at before I go to sleep.
Again, the “word” despise comes to mind. The negativity. Bullying. Political divide. Accusations (and realities) of “fake news” (I’m looking at you, “Facebook Fact Checkers.”) It all makes me nauseous.
But, goodness, I could never entertain deleting social media. After all, where would I find out 95 percent of the news that happens, even here in Graham County?
A phone call last week solidified my need to work through my distain. Without delving into the details, someone called and informed me of an important news item I had missed.
“It was on Facebook,” they aptly stated. Fair enough, but what’s the solution?
Do I stay glued to my phone at all times? How else would our Facebook page constantly provide/share news and sports updates in almost real time? Our Instagram page work to drive up interest for an upcoming edition, with photo teases that seek to peak your interest?
I don’t know about you, but my eyes start to cross after scrolling for information across a prolonged period of time. Any chance I get to turn my phone off, I do so. The constant distraction is just too much to handle on certain days.
But it is what it is, I suppose.
However, for those of you that are not local media (or the other 99.9 percent of Graham County’s population, to simplify it), I would take my friend’s advice. Put the phone down. Focus on your family and friends. Live without having your phone in your hand or in front of your face.
“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory.”
Kevin Hensley is the publisher/editor of The Graham Star. He can be reached via phone, 828-479-3383; email, editor@grahamstar.com; and on Twitter, @KevinHensleyCNI.