Recently I re-joined the social media world. While I used to stand on the outside looking in, I jumped right into the deep end of the pool on this one. Facebook and Instagram in one day! It’s been such a long time since I’ve had any internet presence; social media has changed quite a bit. I’m sure for better as well as worse.
Before, I could sit mildly back and watch while data breaches and such happened to those who partook in the book of faces. But now I’m on it and in it. I was never really concerned for myself or my now visible self. But I could definitely see how it could be more than just a way to reconnect. Trolling people’s lives to see the inner workings or habitually checking for updates on what you last posted could probably get pretty tiring.
Since I’ve only been present for less than a week, it feels almost unnatural at times. To put my kids’ faces in people’s pockets. I just preferred a more sacred approach. As I inch closer and closer towards more exposure of my life, I am almost hesitant. Like Adam and Eve in the garden when they FELT naked and were ashamed. Being shown finds me vulnerable and not sure.
Social media is a tool. Being married to a tradesman, I am very aware of tools. Just like any wrench or screwdriver, a tool can be used for good or for bad. Take a hammer for instance. A hammer can build a house but it can also tear one down; it just depends on its handler.
In the same way, you have to learn to control your social media tools so they work for you. I wouldn’t want to see my church friend cussing in a post because it may skew my view of them. Yet another friend I have can cuss until the skies turn green because I know her for how she is. So you have to be true to yourself no matter the exposure and use these tools appropriately. Even in this one week of being in the social pool I’ve seen political posts about this and that and then the threads of opinions that follow. I’ve found myself agreeing with some and not with others. I wondered if a thumbs up or down would change the way a person viewed me.
Some people may know me as a wife and mother but have not a clue of my voting preference or stance on any social issue. I am not the type for confrontation and have little time. I also do not discuss issues beyond my scope of understanding.
“A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” (Proverbs 18:2)
I guess it boils down to meaning what you say and saying what you mean because you have to be who you are and how you are. I have scarce pictures of my children and husband up on my social media. That could change or maybe it won’t. Either way, it doesn’t change that I’m blessed beyond measure and my experiences don’t need exposure unless or until I choose to expose them. My family and my face don’t need to be the advertisement of my life because my life is more than a picture or a post. It’s a purpose.
Be safe, be great, be you!
Reality Changing Observations:
Q1. Have you ever argued on social media and regretted it? Why did you think it was an important fight to have?
Q2. How can we use social media as a tool for good and not evil?
Q3. What ways can we focus more deeply on what’s around us instead of what’s at our fingertips?
