Roy is a school leader. He uses an Android phone, uses an iMac in his office and knows how to run a solid powerpoint. He doesn't use Twitter. He has used, I think, Google Plus three times in his life. As for Facebook, he would ask you where that's located in the library!

None of this is bad, just stating the facts so you can get a feel for his social media habits.

The thing is, after I spoke with Roy for a bit, that he feels as if he should use social media more often. He feels as if there's something missing or something wrong with him.

There isn't and there's not.

I've said for a while now that social media is whatever you want it to be. You want to post pictures of your puppy on a skateboard? Go for it. Want to share what you're eating every meal? Why not!

Here's some of the wacky photos I've posted on Instagram.

The "rules" of social media are relativistic and that's part of what makes Twitter, Facebook, et al. so powerful.

For Roy, he's looking for reasons to jump into social media. For others, there may be times to hit the pause button on it. Or, you may even need to kiss Facebook and Twitter goodbye for a period of time.

Turns out, people who use social media say that they are more stressed than those who don't.

These reasons may include:

You feel overwhelmed by the variety and number of social media outlets. Part of Roy's struggle is that he doesn't even know where to start.
You feel exhausted by the constant "checking" for updates, etc. (turns out that mobile Twitter users are 181% more likely to use Twitter during their commutes; source)
You want to have a simpler digital footprint. Less time on social media means more time with your family, more time reading books, and more time doing focused work.

As for me, I'm in a point of flux right now. LinkedIN is more frequent for me these days while Twitter has taken a back seat. I actually, in small doses, am finding Facebook interesting again. Ebbs and flows. Trial and error.

The key, as always, is to be intentional. Be thoughtful about what and how you are using social media. If it's tuckering you out, change it up.