Part 2: More Social, Less Media

Part 2:
More Social, Less Media

Technology
& Innovation – Week 2

How to get the most out of social media—without letting it get the most out
of you.

Last week,
we explored the paradox of social media: a tool that connects us more than
ever, while many feel lonelier than ever. That paradox, as researchers and
doctors point out, depends less on if we use social media, and more on how.

Social media
platforms are driven by algorithms built to keep your attention—sometimes
through connection, but just as often through outrage, envy, or distraction.
What starts as catching up with friends can spiral into doom-scrolling,
polarizing arguments, or comparing your daily life to someone else’s highlight
reel.

What you
see isn’t always what you get
Content feeds are shaped by opaque algorithms that reinforce your views and
filter out dissenting voices—unless they’re from antagonists designed to
provoke. Meanwhile, heavy social media use (defined as 2+ hours daily) has been
linked to increased perceptions of isolation, especially among teens and
seniors. Ironically, two hours a day is actually less than what most
users report.

Yet, opting
out entirely isn’t always realistic. Social platforms are now vital for local
events, small business visibility, and community news. About 80–90% of U.S.
adults use at least one platform, including a majority of adults 65+.

So how can
we reclaim the social without getting overwhelmed by the media?

Tips for
healthier connection

• Be intentional. Don’t use social media to fill
  boredom. Use it to reach out, share joy, or plan real-life interactions.
• Limit exposure. Adjust your settings (e.g.,
  Facebook’s “Feeds” tab) to prioritize posts from actual friends over viral
  content.
• Move to private conversations. Create group chats instead of
  public posts—more connection, less noise.
• Avoid comment wars. Arguing with strangers rarely
  changes minds. Focus your energy on real relationships.
• Recognize manipulation. Many posts are designed by AI
  or influencers to stir emotion. Stay alert, not reactive.
• Don’t replace real connection. Social media is a tool—but it’s
  no substitute for in-person coffee, a phone call, or volunteering.

Rebuilding
community
Getting older often means facing social shrinkage—friends move away, work
relationships change, and physical limitations grow. Social media can help—but
it shouldn’t be your only tool. Look for opportunities to volunteer, attend
local classes, or take part in your church or community events. And when you’re
spending time with people in person—put the phone away. Be present.

As Surgeon
General Murthy put it, nurturing social connection takes intention. It means
showing up—sometimes physically, sometimes digitally, but always meaningfully.

And in the
end, maybe Frost and Franklin both had a point: good hedges help define
boundaries—but it’s shared work and connection, not walls, that make us good
neighbors.

Pendle Hill Advisors
is proud to contribute to the Montgomery County News with our weekly column. If
you have questions related to this article or your financial situation in
general, please give our office a call.

Kent Pendleton, AAMS®

Financial Advisor, RJFS

Pendle Hill Advisors LLC

14375 Liberty St, Ste 109 | Montgomery, TX 77356

T 936-297-8267

Kent.Pendleton@raymondjames.com | www.raymondjames.com/pendlehilladvisors

Securities offered through
Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory
services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.
Pendle Hill Advisors is not registered broker dealers and is independent of
Raymond James Financial Services.

Sources:
Harvard University; U.S. Surgeon General; National Institutes of Health; Boston
College; American Psychological Association; Mayo Clinic; Defense Advanced
Projects Research Agency; University of Maryland; New Hampshire Division of
Parks and Recreation.