It’s readily available at our fingertips and it’s here to stay. The networking and business aspects of social media are so clutch, but as with anything, it has its pros and cons.
1. If we don’t post it, it didn’t happen
There seems to be this notion that if we don’t post our every move on social media that it didn’t happen. We see it all the time: folks posting photos of all of their meals, every waking moment of their lives or even their church’s sermon on a Sunday morning. Just because you don’t post every single detail of your life doesn’t mean it’s not happening. Although we do as we please on our own platforms, is there is a fine line between being transparent and oversharing? Are we living in our moments or letting the moments happen behind a lens most of the time?
It’s ok to unplug.
2. Have we become desensitized?
With so much heartbreak going on in the world as a result of police brutality, domestic violence, child exploitation and hate crimes, the norm has become to press record, run to social media and share stories at the click of a button. Audiences are finding things out quicker on social media before major news networks can even get the word out. People find out exactly where the hearts and minds of their friends and associates stand in the face of tragedy via social media. How many people have you had to mute or unfollow due to their views on the Internet?
Social media is top notch for connecting, but there is always the fact that it can be used counterproductively.
3. Trying to keep up with the Joneses.
Keeping up with the Joneses: is an idiom referring to the comparison to one’s neighbor as a benchmark for social class or the accumulation of material goods.
It’s easy to get caught up in what everyone is doing via social media and assuming that their lives are all glitz and glam. The truth of the matter is that we don’t know their lives. We just don’t know. We only “know” the highlights, a showcasing of one’s best self. It can become so easy to get caught up in envying someone else’s life, relationship or success through social media. However, we aren’t even aware of the nuts and bolts of what it took to get them “there.” Keeping up with the Joneses will leave you confused, depressed and broke. Instead, focus on you.
4. Are we violating special relationships that should be deemed sacred?
Everything is not for everybody. We don’t need to know that you got into an argument with your significant other last night. I’m a strong believer that marriages and relationships should be protected. Everyone does not need to be in your business, nor does everyone have your best interests at heart. Take your relationship issues to the person you’re in a relationship with. Do not air out your dirty laundry on social media! If you need to vent, talk to a trusted friend or family member.
5. Are we giving out too much information?
This cannot be stressed enough — stop giving away too much on social media! Half of your followers are associates and the other half probably don’t care (ok, a handful of people maybe do care). Be smart about what you share and what details you give out. Set those privacy settings as well. Not everyone is privy to a deep peek into your personal life.
What are your thoughts on social media? Does the good outweigh the bad?
