Before diving into my first blog post, I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Karissa, and I live on my family farm, where my husband and I are gradually taking over its operations. We have two young children—a six-year-old daughter and a four-year-old son—who keep us on our toes with their various activities.
I have a passion for reading, outdoor adventures across all seasons, summers at the lake, baking, and contributing to the work on our family farm. In addition to these interests, I am a middle years teacher and am currently pursuing my Master of Education in the Teaching, Leading, and Learning program.
My Relationship with Social Media
My relationship with social media has evolved significantly through different phases of life. My earliest memories involve MSN Messenger, back when I had to plead with my parents to use the dial-up connection. As I progressed through high school, Facebook gained popularity, and I eagerly joined to stay connected with friends.
During university, Facebook remained my primary social media platform. Now, as an adult, I find myself using social media more than ever. Instagram and Snapchat are my most frequently used platforms. I communicate with close friends and family on Snapchat, while Instagram serves as a creative outlet and source of inspiration (though it occasionally tempts my credit card).
I still use Facebook occasionally to keep in touch with distant family, and I use X (or Twitter, as I still refer to it) mainly for professional purposes. I have yet to join the TikTok trend, mainly because I simply don’t have the time.
The Impact of Social Media on My Life
Reflecting on how social media has influenced my life, I realize it has had both positive and negative effects. Professionally, social media has been positive—I’ve built valuable networks, collaborated with new colleagues, and gained fresh teaching resources and ideas, which have revitalized my work.
On a personal level, the journey has been more complex. Social media offers a wonderful way to stay connected with friends and family, but it can also have downsides. The curated perfection often seen online can sometimes impact my mental health, leading me to take breaks to remind myself of the “Instagram vs. reality” perspective.
In balancing these experiences, I’ve learned the importance of mindful consumption and taking time to disconnect when needed.
