Social media is making us less and less social and more intolerable, over-stimulated, and judgemental. As social media "networking" exploded, people began to seek ways to boast and bully.
Yes, it has become a high school hallway of the "popular kids" who has a lot to brag about and the "mean kids" who bullies other just for the sake of it. Granted, there is nothing wrong with posting your latest aesthetically-pleasing meal or vacation spot and people are definitely entitled to their own opinions and disagreements but the lines are officially blurred. Social media has become a breeding ground for vanity, greed, boastfulness, sexual impurities (explicit and vulgar posts), and idolatry. Weirdly enough, it even promotes gluttony (a story in itself).
No, not all social media platforms are promoting sinful behaviors nor is everything bad. Wholesome posts on Instagram and inspiring quotes on Twitter are becoming more common because people are realizing being rude online is simply a reflection of who you are as a person. We all know these rude and intolerable folks as "keyboard warriors" or "haters." Do not waste your breath or comments on these people, they are led by the spirit of negative attention or vanity. I learned a simple and respectful blocking or removing of these people lets them know that you will not be enabling their bad behavior.
Remember friends, if you are posting something think for a second. Is this something you would say in person and is this what you truly want the world to see you as?
The second issue that social media has created is the utter lack of social skills and cues found in folks. You would think with the word "social" being in the phase, would advance our communication skills and how we interact with each other. But instead, we have dwindled as a functional society. Unless it's the South (all jokes aside) people have lost their hospitality, manners, and ability to make small talk. Your advantage busy town/city will consist of headphone-wearing, device-in-the-face, hard-to-communicate-with, rude individuals. If you can't say a simple thank you or hi to someone you grab eye contact with, something is seriously wrong!
We have become so unaware and distracted by our environment or surroundings. Yes, people genuinely don't pay attention to dangers either. For example, explain this weird trend of filming and posting about how your life was in danger, and yet you appear to still be in the same area (usually in their car). I'm sorry, but I wouldn't think about posting on social media about how I almost go robbed and still be in the same spot or near it. That is very dangerous!
I'm getting off my soapbox now, and yes I am just like you when it comes to social media, I will never claim to be better than others or even be self-righteous and judgemental (that is also something we see on the interweb). Take heed of my advice and be cautious of what you are becoming on social media and how much of your life is dedicated to it. Unless you're a content creator, why do you feel the need to wake up and scroll down your timeline? Just take a break, breathe, and ask God what are some ways to fill your social media page with wholesome, respectful, and professional content. If necessary, ask God to remove those spirits of vanity and greed, and humble yourself. And if you struggle to communicate in person or lack good social skills... remember that the device in your hand is a supercomputer, look for tips (or continue reading Modern Modesty Chronicles ;D)
Brethren, don't be so caught up with "social" that you forget how to be social!
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