sociallym

[sociallym]

Heads up, everyone!

Facebook has been busy putting people back in their boxes this week, and not in a good way. Over the last 24 hours, there’s been a noticeable spike in account and group removals.

Personal profiles have been deactivated without warning, business pages taken down and entire communities, including a major AI group with millions of members, and the Go High Level group, have been completely removed. It doesn't look like they'll be coming back anytime soon either.

At this stage, it's unclear whether it’s a targeted response to AI-related content or simply the fallout from another algorithm update. Facebook hasn’t confirmed either way.

But here’s what is clear:

You need a Plan B.

You need ownership of your audience.

You can’t afford to build everything on rented platforms.

Suppose your business relies heavily on social platforms. In that case, it’s time to check your backups, review your contingencies, and ensure your email list, website, and off-platform presence are ready to carry the weight just in case the algorithm turns on you.

[sociallym]

Here’s What I’m Starting to Believe for Social Media Success:

You don’t need to show up every day, just when it matters. Posting for the sake of it doesn’t move the needle. Posting with meaning does.

You don’t need to be the loudest, just the clearest. Clarity and honesty are more powerful than noise.

You don’t need to chase attention, earn trust instead. People remember how you made them feel, not how often you showed up.

You don’t need to tell everyone else’s story, tell your own. You already have something worth saying. You just need the space (and give yourself permission) to say it.

What I’m Doing Differently Now:

I’m pressing pause on the pressure to perform.

I’m slowing down to say more with less.

I’m showing up with intention, not obligation.

And I’m asking better questions, like:

Is this post actually helping someone?

Is it honest?

Does it invite conversation, not just clicks?

Would I read this if it wasn’t mine?

And most importantly: Would I be proud of this showing up in someone else’s day?

If any of this resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Because I think we’re all a little tired of pretending this is working, and maybe it’s time we started building something better. Together.

Stay tuned, in my next post, I’ll break down how we can actually apply this to real content planning and still grow without burning out.

Until then, less noise. More meaning.

[sociallym]

“You teach people how to treat you by what you allow, what you stop, and what you reinforce.”

— Tony Gaskins

[sociallym]

“Never let the sadness of your past, and the fear of the future, destroy the happiness of the present.”

— Unknown

[sociallym]

“Have some fire. Be unstoppable. Be a force of nature. Be better than anyone here, and don’t give a damn what anyone thinks. You’re on your own. Be on your own.”

— Dr. Cristina Yang | Grey’s Anatomy

[sociallym]

The Social Media Lie That’s Been Holding Us All Back (And What We Can Do About It)

Last time, I talked about the strange guilt I still carry from not posting constantly, the hangover from years of 'expert' advice that told us more = better when it comes to social media.

That advice? It was rooted in fear.

Fear that we’d be forgotten if we weren’t shouting. Fear that competitors would steal attention if we didn’t show up daily. Fear that silence would be seen as failure.

And so we posted. Relentlessly. We scheduled, recycled, and reposted. We shared anything, because silence was the enemy.

But here's the twist: none of it really worked.

Sure, it might have looked impressive on paper, 30 posts in 30 days, high reach, loads of noise, but what did it actually build?

Where were the real conversations? The connections? The trust? The value?

If you're honest, you probably already know the answer.

We bought into a system that treats presence like purpose. A system that confuses visibility with value. A system that rewards quantity, not quality, and leaves us wondering why we feel burnt out, disconnected, and uninspired.

Worse still, we turned social media into a to-do list, not a tool for genuine connection.

Today I'm thinking more about how to change all that. How to take some pride back in what we do online. How to treat our audiences with more respect and to give them more of the value that they deserve.

I'll share those thoughts later today. I'd be interested to hear yours too...

[sociallym]

Today, the sun stands still at its highest point, the Summer Solstice, the longest day and the turning of the Wheel once more. In the old ways, this was a sacred time. A time when the gods of light and life, like Baldr, the shining son of Odin, stood in their full power. A time of celebration, of fire, of unity, and of deep, soul-stirring transformation.

Summer, after all, is a season when wonderful things happen to quiet people, those who feel the world more deeply, who move gently through it. For a few golden months, you are not bound by the version of yourself others expect. You are free to breathe in the cut-grass air, to dive into the deep waters of possibility, to walk barefoot through the woods and remember who you were before the world told you who to be.

The Solstice is a reminder that the fire still burns within you. That you are allowed to feel grateful and easy, unburdened by past weight. That Summer opens the door and lets you out.

This is a time of unity, to gather with kin, friends, and strangers alike. To celebrate life in all its messy, magical forms. To feast, laugh, dance under the sun, and honour the turning of the year with open arms and full hearts.

May the light of the Solstice fill you with courage. May your days be long and your soul be loud. And may this Summer be the one you never forget.

Have a glorious Solstice and a fantastic Summer! #SolsticeBlessings #OldGodsNewFire #SummerUnlocked

[sociallym]

“Writing is something you do alone. It’s a profession for introverts who want to tell you a story but don’t wanna make eye contact while telling it.”

— John Green

[sociallym]

Confession time...

I still feel a weird, lingering guilt when I don’t post on my personal profile or when I ignore this business page for a day or two.

Not because of FOMO.

But because I was conditioned.

Conditioned by all that early-days-of-social-media advice we were bombarded with.

You remember it too, don’t you?

"You must post every day."

"You need to be the loudest voice in the room."

"You have to out-post your competitors."

"Schedule three months in advance."

"When in doubt, post someone else’s content."

Rinse. Repeat. Regurgitate.

And it all came from one big idea they just wouldn’t let go of:

"Social media is a conversation."

Now, I don't disagree with that idea, but here’s what I’ve realised.

If your idea of a conversation is yelling endlessly, sharing other people’s words when you run out of your own, and never letting anyone else speak because you’re scared they’ll go listen to someone else, then we need to seriously rethink what kind of relationships we’re actually building.

Because here’s the thing, everything we know about good business contradicts that noise:

“Quality is the best business plan” — John Lasseter

So why are we so obsessed with quantity?

“Help enough other people get what they want...” — Zig Ziglar

So why is our content all about what we want?

“Be productive, not busy” — Tim Ferriss

So why are our feeds so busy and empty of value?

“Build a great experience and people will talk about it” — Jeff Bezos

So why are we still begging for attention?

“You have everything you need to build something bigger than yourself” — Seth Godin

So why are we curating everyone else’s stories instead of telling our own?

“If you do what you’ve always done…” — Tony Robbins

So why are we still following the same outdated playbook?

Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing more thoughts and ideas on how we can start doing social media differently, more intentionally, more meaningfully, and more humanly.

If that sounds like something you’re ready for, I’d love you to stick around.

Let’s talk. Actually talk.

[sociallym]

The Hidden Battle: How Social Media Is Harming Our Children in UK Secondary Schools

There’s a silent epidemic unfolding in UK secondary schools—one that doesn’t always leave bruises but often leaves scars. It’s happening on screens, behind usernames, in group chats, comment threads and fleeting stories. And it's quietly affecting the mental health, development, and future of our children.

That epidemic is the unchecked influence of social media.

As someone who spends their days working with professionals, parents, schools, and children to unpack the complexities of digital life, I’ve seen just how deeply embedded this issue has become. In my talks as Socially-M, I speak candidly about the emotional weight social media places on young people and the role we, as adults, must play in turning the tide.

The Pressure to Be Perfect

Social media has created a constant stage where children feel the need to perform. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat offer instant validation but also instant rejection. Children are comparing themselves to impossible standards, often curated and filtered beyond recognition.

They’re not just growing up—they’re growing up in public.

For many secondary school pupils, anxiety, low self-esteem, and body image issues are no longer exceptions, they’re the norm. And it's not just affecting how they see themselves; it's affecting how they see each other.

The Rise of Digital Bullying

Cyberbullying is no longer confined to isolated incidents, it’s woven into the daily fabric of teenage life. The group chat drama. The anonymous question box. The cruel meme shared during lunch break. These aren’t just playground pranks; they’re persistent, psychologically damaging experiences.

And worse still? It follows them home. There's no longer a safe place to retreat.

Addiction to the Scroll

The dopamine loop of likes, views, and shares is designed to be addictive. Children are checking their phones hundreds of times a day—during lessons, during meals, sometimes even in the middle of the night. Attention spans are shortening. Sleep is disrupted. And face-to-face communication is being replaced with filtered avatars of reality.

So What Can Parents Do?

It’s easy to feel powerless, especially when your child knows more about tech than you do. But your voice still matters more than you think. Here are three things I urge every parent to consider:

Have open conversations – Ask, don’t accuse. Be curious, not confrontational. Create a safe space for your child to talk about their online world.

Set boundaries early – Screen time limits, no-phone zones, and consistent routines help children understand that social media should serve them—not the other way around.

Educate yourself - Stay informed about the platforms your children are using. Understand the risks. Equip yourself to guide, not just guard.

This Is the Work I Do

Through Socially-M, I help schools and communities navigate this complex landscape. My talks shine a light on what’s really happening behind the screens—and give parents and educators the tools to respond with strength, empathy, and action.

Because we can’t afford to be passive.

Because silence looks like consent.

Because the future is watching and it's watching through a phone screen.

If you're a parent, teacher or school leader who knows this is a conversation we need to be having more often and more honestly, get in touch. Or keep an eye out for the launch of the new Socially-M website, where I’ll be sharing free downloads and resources to help you support the young people in your life.

[sociallym]

Contrary to tales we’re told as kids,

The world does not spin at the sound of a scream.

It pauses.

Tilts its head.

And waits to see if anyone else heard it too.

Was it real? Was it near? Was it me?

A whisper caught in a traffic jam of thoughts,

A fire alarm muffled by the hum of everyday.

Maybe it was nothing.

Maybe it was something.

Maybe it was you.

You, screaming in silence.

You, hoping that someone might just feel the sound,

Even if they never heard it.

And yet, there is a strange beauty in this pause.

Because sometimes,

Someone does turn.

Not fast, not always,

But slowly, as if their heart remembered yours.

“Did you hear that?”

“Yes. I think I did.”

And in that moment

You are not alone.

The truth is,

Most people don’t come running.

But some

Some walk toward the noise,

Even if it’s faint.

Even if it’s just the sound of a soul

Trying not to disappear.

So scream again if you must

But know this

Your voice matters,

Even when the world tilts its head and squints.

One day, someone will hear.

And if not?

You did.

And you kept going anyway.

[sociallym]

Today, I honour not just the man whose blood I share, nor just the man who raised me, but the line of men whose footsteps echo through my blood.

Fathers who carried fire through frostbitten forests. Fathers who stood at the edge of the world and faced the storm head-on. Fathers who taught with silence, with steel, with stories whispered around flame.

In the old ways, we did not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrowed it from our children. But we carried the weight of both. Responsibility and courage were not virtues, but necessities. And love, it came in the form of shields raised and sacrifices made.

The Old Gods knew that to father was to forge.

To shape not just sons, but legacies.

To pass on wisdom older than language.

That honour matters.

That strength serves.

That you leave the world better than you found it.

So today I raise a drink and light a fire, not just in thanks, but in promise.

To walk in the strength of those before me.

To honour them by the way I live, lead, and love.And to one day become the kind of father my forefathers would salute.

[sociallym]

There are moments the silence speaks louder than sound,

When your soul stands still though the world spins around.

A breath caught in wonder, not panic, not flight

But a shiver that dances the edge of delight.

You walk through a forest where ancient things sleep,

And the hush in the leaves makes your heartbeat leap.

Not fear as in danger, but awe, deep and wide

Like the stars knew your name before you arrived.

It’s the pull of the ocean, both cruel and divine,

The thunder that humbles, the mountain you climb.

It’s knowing you’re tiny yet part of it all,

A whisper of Gods in a forest hall.

It lives in the fire that doesn't consume,

In shadows that flicker with secrets and truth.

It’s standing at thresholds where mystery wakes,

And feeling your certainty shatter and shake.

Yet you step ever forward, drawn into the flame,

Not to be rescued, but changed by the name

Of whatever it is that lives past the known

The vast and the sacred, the chill in the bone.

This is the numinous, that terrible grace,

Awe in the eyes and tears on the face.

A meeting with meaning too deep to define

Not yours to possess, but to witness in time.

[sociallym]

I’ve started writing again not because I’m afraid to speak, but because my voice has grown stronger and it deserves to be heard.

I am not the person I once was. I am more. Not lost, but unfolding, not stranded, but learning how to stand exactly where I am.

I no longer wait for someone to find me. I have begun finding myself. Each word I write is not a cry for rescue, but a signal flare of understanding, a way of saying “I am here, and I am becoming more”.

Where I once felt the urge to disappear, I now feel the pull to rise. To step forward. To choose direction not wander without one.

The future still holds questions, yes. But now I meet them with curiosity, not fear. I don’t need to know exactly where I’m going. I just need to know that I am moving, and I am.

One day, I will look back at this time with pride. Not because I had all the answers. But because I kept going, even when I didn’t. And that, I’m learning, is what real strength looks like.

To anyone doubting their direction right now:

You’re not lost.

You’re becoming more.

Keep going, you’re further along than you think. 💛

#KeepBecomingMore #MentalWellbeing #InnerStrength #HealingJourney #SelfDiscovery #GrowthMindset

[sociallym]

In the rush of meetings, deadlines, and digital noise, it’s easy to treat the middle of the week as something to just 'get through'.

But midweek downtime isn’t lazy, it’s essential.

Whether it’s 30 minutes with a book, a walk without your phone, or diving into a hobby that has nothing to do with your to-do list, these moments recharge more than just your energy. They reset your creativity, calm your mind, and remind you that you exist outside your work inbox.

So take the pause. Make time for the hobby. Because you don’t need to earn rest, you just need to respect it.

#MidweekMindset #WorkLifeBalance #SociallyM #DowntimeIsProductive #MentalHealthMatters #CreativeRecharge #SlowDownToSpeedUp

[sociallym]

This week, a client approached me with a brilliant idea:

One-page guides for parents breaking down the social media platforms their kids are using, how they’re using them, what to watch out for, and how to keep things safe.

From TikTok trends to Snapchat streaks, these platforms move fast, and it's not always easy to keep up. But a little clarity goes a long way.

I'm working on a set of easy-to-understand, jargon-free guides for UK parents, and I’m thinking of making them available as free downloads on my new Socially-M website when it launches.

Would this be useful to you?

Is there anything in particular you'd want covered?

Drop a like/love or let me know in the comments if you think this would help you or someone you know, and feel free to tag a school, parent or carer who might be navigating all this right now.

Let’s make social media safer, smarter, and easier to understand together.

#SociallyM #DigitalParenting #SocialMediaSafety #OnlineSafety #ParentingTips #SocialMediaAwareness #KeepingKidsSafe #DigitalLife #SocialMediaHelp #FamilyFirst

[sociallym]

In a new study by profiletree.com, Oxford has officially taken the top spot, with a staggering 312,033 social media-related searches per 100,000 people. Known for its academic heritage, Oxford is now crowned the scrolling capital of Britain, outpacing every other UK city in search activity for platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Reddit.

Hot on its heels, Birmingham and Glasgow are locked in a digital tug of war for second place, separated by just 36 searches per 100,000 people, a remarkably tight margin for cities of their size. Both are highly active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, although Glasgow holds the record for the most Twitter searches in the UK.

Elsewhere, Leeds, Manchester, and London round out the top of the table, though London’s sixth-place ranking may surprise some, considering its massive population. In fact, Northern cities dominate the top ten, with Newcastle and Edinburgh also featuring high in the list.

According to the data, Facebook dominates the UK’s digital landscape, with more than 10.5 million monthly searches nationwide, over three times as many as Twitter (3.4M), and comfortably ahead of Instagram (2.6M). No matter the city, Facebook is still king. But regional preferences do exist. Oxford searches more for Reddit. Londoners are the most Pinterest-curious. Glasgow loves Twitter. These differences, while subtle, reveal deeper behavioural trends.

As ProfileTree founder Ciaran Connolly explains:

“Social media habits don’t always reflect a city’s reputation. Understanding these trends helps businesses connect with real people, in the right places, using the platforms they actually engage with.”