Joani Plenty Shares Tips to Help Us Combat Our Social Media Obsession! by Elisa Schmitz

Do you know parents who are simply obsessed with social media, even to the point of neglecting their family? Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube and the like can be compelling, but also detrimental if taken too far. Social media guru Joani Plenty has developed multiple strategies to combat the common social media obsession that is plaguing our generation. In addition to being a social media personality, Joani is also an author and anti-bully advocate. She recently produced an annual random acts of kindness scavenger hunt which was promoted through multiple social media channels. Read our interview with her!

Joani Plenty

Q: What is your favorite social media site and why?

A: Pinterest, because it has so many things for me to hope for but not do! I also love Twitter – you can’t find more positive and/or like-minded people to surround yourself with!

Q: What should we do if we sometimes feel the need for a social media intervention?

A: I try to balance social media and life but I’m IN the business of social media so it’s a struggle. Friend and mom @TiffanyRom says if she finds herself saying “one more minute” to her child, it’s time to step away from social media. I also practice a social media diet, which means don’t deprive yourself, but keep everything in moderation.

Q: How can we tell if it may be time for a social media intervention?

Joani Plenty, Angela Chee, Elisa All, Susan Campbell Cross

A: If you say, “OMG! That’s my next status!” more than once per day. If you can’t be alone after someone leaves room without tweeting, Facebooking etc. When someone calls you and you look at your phone and say, “It’s 2013! Tweet me! Seriously?!”

Q: What’s the funniest thing you’ve done due to social media?

A: I took photo of my doctor’s painted toenails and posted it to Facebook. I’m a “deleter!” I comment/tweet/delete and re-post several times! I tweeted, “Yo, M.O.! xo” to @MichelleObama. Twitter makes you feel as if you know people personally.

Q: What’s the worst thing you’ve done done on a social media network?

A: I allowed the social media drama to make me paranoid! I sing “You’re so vain; you probably think this stat is about you…” to myself often. I texted racy photos of myself to my husband but he didn’t get them – my Facebook friends did! I also tagged the wrong people in pictures from elementary school.

Q: What are some consequences of social media addiction?

A: Like with any “drug,” we’re removed from reality and obligations. It can get out of hand. Fear of not using the “drug” (lower Klout score, missing Facebook drama, out of site/out of mind). Feeling burnt out, frustrated and a little (read: A LOT) crazy!

Q: Any Candy Crush cures for those addicted to the popular Facebook game?

A: Yes! If you have an addictive personality (Farmville, Candy Crush, etc.) No matter who’s playing, don’t even go there! Take a 30-minute break from the game and find something else to do! You may end up focused on that instead. If not, THEN continue crushing! Make it a fun tool to spark your relationship! Crush together instead of alienating yourself from others due to your “addiction.”

Q: What do you recommend for balancing life and social media?

A: Choose one network as your “drug of choice.” Cut back all others and schedule family time like you would an appointment. Decide on the amount of social media time BEFORE signing on, and stick to it. Drink a cup of coffee while using social sites. When the coffee is gone, get your work on! C.U.R.E. = Coffee, Understate, Relax, Enjoy!

Some of Joani's social media advice from #30SecondMom chat.

Q: What is the best part about being a mom?

A: Sharing my favorite childhood things, memories and traditions with my kids and watching them love them as much as I did.

Q: What is the best advice you have been given as a parent?

A: I would have to say the best advice is to not stress over “too much discipline.” Kids will not only understand when they are older, but they will appreciate and thank you for the lessons and boundaries given.

Q: What is your favorite recipe?

A: My favorite recipe is for shark steaks. I’m not a fan of fish. The only seafood I eat are crab legs and lobster, and occasionally shrimp cocktail, so the first time I made these, I was pleasantly surprised and impressed at how good they really were. Very simple to do with only two or three ingredients! Dressed up with a vegetable and/or nice salad, and you’ll look and feel like a gourmet cook!

Ingredients:
Shark Steaks
Montreal Steak Seasoning
Lemon (optional)

Directions:
Place oven on broil. Rinse steaks and pat dry with paper towel. Sprinkle steaks with Montreal Steak Seasoning on both sides (to taste, but note: a little goes a long way. I speak from experience, LOL!). Place steaks in shallow baking pan and broil for 5 minutes. Flip steaks and broil for five to seven more minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon over steaks and enjoy!

Learn more about Joani by reading her tips on 30Second Mom, visiting her About.me page, liking her Facebook page and following her on Twitter!