In the ever-evolving landscape of digital education, we must recognize the unique challenges that arise, particularly for those on a decolonization and healing journey. On our journey towards decolonization and healing, the digital world offers both challenges and opportunities. As a trauma-informed decolonization counselor and educator, I have observed how mainstream social media platforms, while valuable in many ways, can inadvertently hinder deep, transformative learning and healing.
I recognize the pivotal role that online platforms play in our learning and healing processes. Yet, the conventional use of social media often hinders our path to holistic understanding and community support. In this blog, we will explore these challenges and present mindful solutions that align with the principles of decolonization, healing journeys, community support, and curated learning opportunities.
The Bite-Size Dilemma in Digital Learning
Problem: Superficial Understanding
Social media, with its penchant for bite-sized content, often simplifies complex topics, leading to a superficial understanding. Social media's inclination towards bite-sized content often leads to a superficial grasp of complex subjects. This approach can be especially detrimental in the context of decolonization education, where depth, context, and historical understanding are crucial. This ‘bite-size’ approach conflicts with the depth required in decolonization education, where nuances, community support, and curated learning are vital.
Solution: Joining In-Depth Learning Platforms
To counteract this, we need digital spaces that foster comprehensive learning. The creation of platforms dedicated to comprehensive learning modules is imperative. Many of your favorite online educators, healers, and thought leaders have such spaces that encourage in-depth explorations of decolonization topics, enabling learners to engage with content and community that fosters a deeper understanding and supports their healing journey. Be sure that the platforms you join are dedicated to decolonization, encourage extensive discussions, and provide curated learning opportunities that respect the complexity of our histories and experiences.
The Overwhelming Wave of Information
Problem: Overwhelm and Confusion
The deluge of information on social media can be overwhelming, making it difficult to find meaningful content amid the noise. This overload is particularly challenging on a healing journey where focus and clarity are essential.
Solution: Curated Educational Content
Curated Educational Content and Personalized Learning Paths. We must embrace platforms that offer personalized, trauma-informed educational content. This approach ensures that learners engage with material that is relevant and conducive to their healing journey. By providing tailored resources that align with each individual's healing journey and decolonization process, we create a more focused and effective learning environment.
Combating Engagement Fatigue
Problem: Burnout from Constant Connectivity
Continuous engagement demands on social media can lead to fatigue, which is counterproductive to the healing process and the deep learning required for decolonization. Social media's constant demand for engagement leads to fatigue, and ‘checking out’ which is counterproductive to activism, healing, and being a world changer. There is also a major mental, physical, and emotional toll that is damaging to the sensitive process of decolonization and healing.
Solution: Balanced Engagement Strategies
Balanced Engagement Strategies. Digital platforms should incorporate mindful engagement practices that allow for rest and reflection. Incorporating breaks and mindful practices can help maintain our emotional and mental well-being on this journey. By integrating these features we promote disconnection from the noise, mindful reconnection, and self-care. All of these can prevent burnout and support a more sustainable (un)learning journey.
Shifting from Popularity to Quality
Problem: Emphasis on Engagement Metrics
The focus on likes and shares in social media often overshadows the quality of content, a significant concern in the context of decolonization education. It can be misleading and unhelpful for those on a decolonization journey and unsure of what they are even seeking in the process.
Solution: Quality and Interactive Learning
Shifting the focus to the quality of content and interaction is vital. The focus should be and remain on Quality and Interactive Learning. Decolonization education platforms should prioritize the richness of content and the depth of interaction, valuing contributions that foster understanding and growth. Encouraging thoughtful contributions and interactive learning experiences can foster a more meaningful and enriching educational journey.
Fostering Community-Centric Learning
Problem: Lack of Collaborative Learning
Social media often lacks mechanisms for effective community support and collaborative learning, which are essential components of the decolonization and healing process. The lack of community support in traditional social media learning environments can be isolating, especially in a journey that heavily relies on shared experiences and collective healing.
Solution: Community-Centric Learning Platforms
Community-Centric Learning Platforms. Developing platforms that emphasize community support and collaborative learning can significantly enhance the decolonization and healing experience. It's crucial to establish online communities that support collaborative learning and shared healing processes. These should be spaces where individuals feel connected and supported on their decolonization journey. These platforms should offer tools for group discussions, collaborative projects, and peer support systems.
Conclusion: Seek out Community
The path to decolonization and healing is complex and multifaceted, requiring more than what conventional social media can offer. In recognizing these challenges, we also uncover opportunities to craft digital spaces that truly support our journey. The journey towards healing and decolonization is not one to be walked alone. As we navigate these digital landscapes, it is crucial that we create and participate in spaces that support our collective healing and learning.
I invite you to join the Make Shi(f)t Happen Community, which is a space I’ve held for 3 years and is dedicated to curated learning opportunities, community support, and the shared journey of decolonization and healing. Our motto is “New Agreements, New Systems, Deeper Connection”
I also invite you to look at other spaces that I have vetted for you to look into as well. I do not believe there is only one space, one place, one teacher (that would hold up the ‘I am the only one’ pillar of Supremacy Culture. So here is a comprehensive list of amazing digital spaces curated for community, decolonization, and healing:
Ashani Mfuko @ashanimfukoofficial on Instagram. Ashani is an anti-racism educator with a curated space for in-depth learning opportunities you can find her community here.
Nykesha Sage @theantiracismeducator_ on Instagram. Nykesha is an anti-racism Parenting educator and also hosts a curated space online, you can find that here.
Yolanda Williams Parenting Decolonized on Facebook. Yolanda shares her experiences of conscious parenting and hosts a space online to support your journey as well. You can gain more information here.
Myisha T Hill @ckyourprivilege on Instagram Is dedicated to the healing aspects of the decolonization process and hosts a space that comes together as a community here.
Kina Reed @divestingfromwhiteness on Instagram. Is an educator dedicated to dismantling all of the colonial projects. You can find her community here.
- @chaneespeaks on Instagram. Chaneé is an activist and educator who decolonizes the relationships we have and hosts cohorts to aid you in the process. You can learn more about her online community here.
- @drkimberlydouglass on TikTok. Dr. Kim is at the forefront of decolonizing neuro divergence and leadership and you can find out more about her work here.
Future Cain @future.cain on Instagram. Future is a social-emotional leadership expert and speaker and has curated a digital community here.
This is by far not an exhaustive list, but it is a list of trusted sources that are doing the work in deeper more impactful ways that will support your entire journey. I hope to see you around in some of these digital community spaces.
Decolonization is about collaborative work, not competition. We all get free, or no one is free. Together, let's embrace a mindful approach to decolonization and education, creating digital spaces that nurture and empower us.
With love and care,
Desireé B Stephens
Trauma-Informed Decolonization Counselor and Educator