Meaningful Conversation Comes from Chew on This Series

Chew on This – Navigating Issues While Protecting Your Inner Peace

What would the world be like if social media didn't exist? A society in which anyone who had a question had to consult an encyclopedia. A world in which one would consult a map for directions to an unfamiliar location. Ironically, a world like this existed not long ago. Do you not believe it? Ask anyone who graduated from high school prior to 2008, not just your parents, coaches, or grandparents. Simply inquire as to how they obtained news and maintained contact with their friends. You'll hear about MapQuest, free minutes after 9 p.m., 5 cent text messages, and dial-up internet.

Thankfully, for many of us, this dystopian society is no longer a reality. With the amount of access to information and availability of technology at our fingertips, it’s almost impossible to not stay engaged, present, and aware of everything going on albeit in the world or with family members. Although being involved and aware of worldly events is extraordinary, it does however present a unique set of challenges that our predecessors may not have encountered.

In the most recent installment of Chew on This – Navigating Issues While Protecting Your Inner Peace, Cathy Ngo joined your usual facilitators, Ashleigh Clare-Kearney Thigpen and Eddie St-Vil, to discuss the complexities of striking a balance between media consumption and personal wellbeing.

As previously stated, there are numerous advantages to remaining engaged in media, whether social media or traditional news media; however, there are numerous unintended consequences that are rarely discussed. For example, the spread of misinformation, the possibility of being traumatized or retraumatized, experiencing compassion fatigue and exhaustion, and desensitization to issues that would normally be impactful.

If these experiences have the effect of making you want to stay engaged but also overwhelmed and desiring disconnection, the following tips may assist you in finding your balance:

· Think before posting

· Put your mental health first.

· Schedule time to use social media and times to step away

· Use other people’s posts as inspiration rather than comparison

· Be clear about what your purpose is when logging onto a social media site and stick to it.

More about Chew on This

Chew on This are voluntary sessions facilitated by Ashleigh Clare-Kearney Thigpen & Eddie St-Vil with an opportunity to bring in guest speakers. In an effort to create a transformational culture rooted in our core values, it is important that we continue engaging in dialogue and participating in trainings that prioritize our commitments and highlight our priorities. Taking part in these opportunities will not only foster personal and professional growth, but epitomize excellence. This series provides LSU Athletics team members with an opportunity to engage in critical discussions to help explore perceptions and foster understanding. The goal of these sessions is to bring team members together in an informal atmosphere to collaborate and learn.

Upcoming sessions: