It’s good for so many things…
We can keep in touch with friends we no longer do life with but wish not to completely disconnect. We can remain still decently hip, learning all the trendy new sayings such as “bussin,’” “bet” or even “6-7.” And if we ever run out of creative ideas in the kitchen, social media can provide us with an endless supply of new recipes for every event and special occasion.
There’s great information and some sweet, witty content. Personally I’m quite fond of Suzy Karadsheh’s “The Mediterranean Dish” (love that Mediterranean diet!), TJ Therrien’s comedic gold pointing out our distinct birth order quirks, and Melanie Sanders’ hilarious rendition of the ever popular “We Do Not Care Club.”
And yet, such is the same place where many fall prey to the propensity to mindlessly doom scroll, witnessing the carefully curated lives of others, seeing only what they want us to see. Note: it’s not real life; it’s incomplete at best. The pics posted are typically in search most of likes and loves. It is the ultimate comparison environment.
Still, too, it’s the place where the rants and raves take place, often political, and there’s rarely actual healthy conversation or any invitation to the diverse thinker; participants are likelier prone to say “I can’t believe you think that way… and if you really do think that way, then shame on you; you’re not as good of a person as I thought you were.” And just like that even the intelligent justify judging or thinking less of another.
Then comes the ultimate sign of annoyance, offense and I’ll-show-you. Click. We unfriend as if we are so just and right and the other is not.
Egad.
I wouldn’t be authentic if I failed to acknowledge my own missteps. I have spoken when I should have stayed silent. I have argued when I should have instead adopted a position of humility and asked more questions. I have thought I was respectful when the person on the receiving end of me didn’t take it that way. Let me be clear; that onus is on me. I’ve been wrong. I will be wrong again.
So knowing the personally perilous minefield social media can abruptly turn into, what are some wise guidelines? What would be good to practice so that the negatives of social media are minimized? Sometimes it’s like we’re all back in junior high — just with bigger words and real jobs — but it’s junior high in that we can’t see the big picture, we’re too focused on self and our own opinion, sometimes just seeking adult attention, and we’re not consistently kind to one another. How could we do better?
Hence, a few thoughts…
- Our worth will never be determined via loves, likes, agreement nor comparison to other people.
- Not every part of our private life needs to be public.
- You don’t have to post it to prove it.
- What we think of another’s post or opinion isn’t always necessary to say. Discernment is necessary.
- Everything you say isn’t always right.
- If there’s a gap of understanding between us and another, fill the gap with trust and adopt the humble posture of asking more than assuming.
- Emotional rants are wiser shared with a trusted, encouraging friend.
- Prioritize real-life connections. While our “friends” and “followers” may indeed be friends, social media is a controlled connection; people only see what we want them to. There is way more to life than this.
Obviously, there are more wise guidelines to our love/hate relationship. That’s the thing. It’s not all bad; there’s some good stuff on there. But it’s clearly not all good either.
Respectfully…
AR