She Strengthens

Reclaiming Your Space: The Art of Curating Your Online Community

The past week has been a tumultuous one, with the presidential election leaving many of us reeling. As someone who’s passionate about money and women’s issues, I’ve found myself reflecting on the importance of surrounding myself with like-minded individuals. But this election has also forced us to confront the harsh reality: we’re often surrounded by people whose views we find repugnant.

The Comfort of Familiarity

We’ve all joked about avoiding certain social media platforms or dreading family gatherings because of differing opinions. But beneath the humor lies a deeper concern: how do we navigate relationships with people who fundamentally disagree with us? For me, the answer lies in asking a simple question: does engaging with these individuals drain my mental energy or inspire meaningful conversations?

The Power of Curation

I’ve learned that it’s essential to curate my online space, just as I would my real-life community. This means being intentional about who I surround myself with, both online and off. The people who matter most – family, close friends, and partners – are worth engaging with, even if we disagree. But what about the countless acquaintances who populate our social media feeds?

Radical Reduction

The truth is, we don’t owe anyone our “friendship” or digital acquaintanceships. We have the right to curate our online space, just as we would our living rooms. By reducing our lists to people who truly matter, we can focus on building meaningful relationships rather than maintaining empty connections. It’s liberating to shed the weight of superficial relationships, just as we would shed a worn-out coat.

Finding Common Ground

In the end, it’s not about creating an echo chamber or a chaotic free-for-all. It’s about finding a middle ground, where we engage with people who challenge us, but also respect our humanity. By culling our lists and focusing on meaningful connections, we can build stronger, more authentic communities. And that’s a fight worth having.