Ask Alexandria: I’m Addicted to Social Media (Help!) & Can I KonMari My Plants?

ALSO in PINK with Alexandria Lawrence

This month’s questions bring up some important social issues of our times. Social media addiction is real. And it’s time to take back control. This Ask Alexandria episode discusses some of the key social dilemmas of our times, including our relationship with fast fashion. And, yes, you can KonMari your plants. But have you ever heard of a plant throne?

Social Media Addiction

Addicted by design…

As a society, we are addicted to email. We are addicted to social media. And it’s not by accident. Social media platforms are specifically designed to keep us engaged, to keep us scrolling. They’re designed to keep us on site for as long as possible. They cleverly manipulate us and, over time, social media changes how we think and behave. It affects our perception of truth and how we interact with the world.

So, what’s the solution?

1. Be aware that there’s a problem
2. A great place to start is to watch the recent Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma. It’s a fascinating look at human psychology. It’s the ultimate cautionary tale for our times. Like climate change, we can all be part of the solution. But we first need to acknowledge that there’s a real problem.
3. Be intentional with your time
4. Turn off all of your notifications. That’s right. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter… whatever platform you use, turn off your notifications. Engage on your own terms. Decide how much time you want to spend on social media & hold yourself accountable. By being intentional, you can start to redefine your relationship with social media.
5. Take action
6. Start a conversation about social media addiction.
7. KonMari your social feeds. Consider who you follow on your social platforms. Do the posts that arrive in your feed add value to your life? Do they make you feel good about yourself? If they don’t, there’s a simple solution. Unfollow.
8. Take a break from social media. Here’s my challenge to you: see what one week without social media feels like…

For more actionable tips, check out The Social Dilemma’s take action page.

Indoor Plant Joy

If you’re keen to bring more plant joy into your home… yes, you can KonMari your plants!

Begin with your vision.

• How do you imagine your ideal indoor plant world?
• How would you describe your personal plant aesthetic?
• How do you want your space to function & how to plants fit into that equation?

Whether you want to create a tropical indoor paradise – full of exotic plants – or you just fancy some fresh green touches to your home, here are a few things to consider…

• What kind of plant parent are you?
• Do you have pets or small children in your home?
• What levels of sunlight do you get in your space?

For more ideas plus some fun interior design plant tips, listen to the full episode…

Style & Sustainability

The problem with fast fashion

• Not well made & doesn’t last – throwaway fashion
• Produced at high speed & low cost – poor quality fabrics/materials
• Unethical factory working conditions – lack of living wage
• Environmental impact – high carbon footprint

High-end luxury fashion

• Better quality fabrics
• Clothes and accessories are well-made & fit better
• But you pay a premium for the prestige of that luxury brand name
• You pay a premium for the marketing & advertising that goes with that name

Mid-range designer & specialty brands

• The sweet spot when it comes to value
• Good quality, well-designed, well-made clothing
• You avoid the markup of high-end luxury brand names
• Heightened awareness around sustainability – but do your research!

Always go for quality instead of quantity. Make better choices and buy less.

Full show notes for this episode: visit our official site

And, wherever you get your podcasts: Rate & Review ALSO in PINK

Thank you for your support!