The Art of Thriving Online: A Workbook

A creatively active workbook written and illustrated by art psychotherapist Amelia Knott for developing a conscious and healthy relationship with the world of social media. Do you wish you could spend less time on social media, or maybe even quit it altogether? You’re not alone! “Social media is woven into so many aspects of our daily lives,” says Amelia Knott, “but it is not designed with our psychological well-being in mind.” Thankfully, it is possible to create a conscious relationship with the online world.The Art of Thriving Online: A Workbook goes far beyond “digital detoxing,” with innovative methods for counteracting manipulative, compulsive, and stress-inducing aspects of social media while preserving the goodness of your time online. The foundation of Knott’s method is creativity—she provides a playful, interactive place to explore the impact social media has on you as you shift to a more positive, health-promoting approach.Through creative activities, reflections, therapeutic art, writing prompts, and more, you’ll learn how to safely process emotions through the forms of personal expression suited to your unique style. Looking through the many lenses of the internet’s impact—such as attention, productivity, privacy, worthiness, fear, disinformation, and belonging—this is a space for you to become aware of the invisible influences shaping your thoughts and feelings. Break beyond the boundary set by algorithms to find your own answers and author your own definition of wellness.Designed for self-guidance, this workbook will help you to:• Carve out space in your life to reflect on your relationship and habits with social media• Learn to explore and express emotions using art materials• Understand the ways technology impacts your mental health• Unpack systemic barriers to personal and collective wellness• Discover the political and economic motivations shaping social media“Our digital lives are meaningful,” says Knott, “and we can show up online while also caring for our mental health.” Here is a “gentle manifesto” for establishing new habits and boundaries that make you feel truly well—online and off.