I’m a media scholar, marketer, and work in progress minimalist, and I have A LOT of feelings about social media challenges. These digital challenges often seem innocent enough and have potential to do some good (beyond vanity “likes”), but they can also create disconnections and shame. Take the 10-year challenge. As a blogger who has published yearly goals on this very website since 2019, I understand why the 10-year challenge has popped up every January in recent years. It’s supposed to show GROWTH and self-understanding, all while capitalizing on new year resolutions/good intent.
But it drops the ball on social understanding. Why? Because it forces folks to boil down 2 periods of life into one post. It juxtaposes reality, often forgetting that those past times (of 10 years prior) were not always great, and perhaps these present times (at the time of writing, 2022) are not always excellent, either. Or maybe both times were, in fact, great (and if that’s true, I’m very happy for you). But some social media users may feel incomplete and unsatisfied, instead of delighted, by friends’ sharing these challenges. The 10-year challenge favors “likes” about looks, rather than “cares” about actual life experiences. While yes, these social media challenges are simply pictures at the end of the day, the 10-year challenge makes me feel gross, as if my status, worth, or profile do not stack up because I haven’t posted my own 10-year-challenge… and probably never will.
In 2022, I created my own social media challenge, about spreading savoring, kindness, and gratitude. It’s called the Single Photo Challenge, and you’re welcome to join me.
There are 3 rules:
- Take and post one picture from an experience – doesn’t matter if it’s posed or candid, a selfie or group, past or present.
- Be kind and savor the feelings.
- Abide by your country’s laws.
Why take and share only ONE picture? Because it’s time we stop and soak in the life we’re currently living. There are countless studies on savoring the moment, and Yale professor Laurie Santos recommends taking photos of experiences to return to those joyful thoughts. But I suggest sharing one photo only so that your digital clutter is reduced, and you choose a picture of that experience wisely.
Why kindness? Because life is hard yet kindness doesn’t have to be. By posting an experience, positive or negative, you’re showing up vulnerably, so be honest, fair, and compassionate in your posts and comments.
And please, abide by legalities. Ask a stranger’s permission to take their photo, if that’s your #singlephotochallenge post of the day. Or if it’s a pic with kid(s), ask, does this really belong on the Internet? If it’s taken in public, such as a sensitive place such as the museum, there might be other rules to consider. Bottom line, pay attention.
To start the #singlephotochallenge, I posted this picture on Instagram/Facebook. It’s from today’s run which birthed the single photo challenge!
From walking to running, tree climbing to social media challenging, what a lovely Sunday! 
Share your #singlephotochallenge online, such as social media or your website! I can’t wait to start savoring these moments with you.