I’ve logged a lot of social media hours for the past several
months as a bit of an experiment. I
wanted to understand it from various perspectives and although I’m not finished
yet, there are some definite impressions that I come away from it with so far.
First, it can be very fun but also a very all-consuming
thing. There is so much information out
there, so much to learn, so much to see and so many amazing people to meet and
it’s all right at your fingertips. The
ego must be totally thrilled with the instant gratification gained from wanting
something and having it in seconds thanks to Google, Amazon and others! I know mine is.
Second, some of the relationships built are not false and
fake as you think they might be just because they began electronically,
so-to-speak. I cannot tell you how many
truly good and wonderful souls I’ve met through social media. So many wonderful souls have been so willing
to impart their knowledge and experience on any number of amazing topics. I’m so very grateful for every single one
I’ve run across and I can tell you that they’ve made a lasting impact on my
life in so many very good ways that I will always cherish.
Third, there is a dark side to the internet. You can’t tell me you are surprised at
this. It is no different than the real
world where darkness helps to contrast the light. There is no shortage of drama, bullying and
manipulation or worse. But if you’re confident enough in yourself and who you really are,
this isn’t a problem. Just be a wise
user and do protect yourself or disconnect from the drama, bullying or any form
of manipulation if it finds you. For
those individuals already dealing with challenging malware running rampant in
their human consciousness operating system (emotional trauma), this darker side can really be a
detriment.
Realize that people have feelings whether they are here in
front of you or on the other side of the screen. Let us remember this and choose if we can
kindness, compassion or if nothing else be assertive with your boundary setting
when necessary and don’t be afraid to say “No” or “I’m sorry” or whatever else
an online situation calls for. Remember
too, anything you say or post is available for all to see (governments, your
boss, coworkers, family members, ex-friends, husbands, wives, etc.) and you
can’t wipe it out or take it back.
Conscious consideration is necessary for any time spent online engaged
in internet or social media activities. Consider this, what you use it for, you will get back. If you use it for vengeance, guess what you're likely to find? If you use it for stalking, spying or otherwise causing harm to others, guess what you get right back in some way? Everything matters, never forget this and nothing truly goes unnoticed.
Last but by no means least, my impression overall is that we can become too connected.
We are living breathing beings; an amazing and wondrous part of
life. If we are stuck to our chairs,
desks or couches surfing the internet all the time, it makes you a bit
soul-weary and you may be missing out on other also very important
opportunities. Be respectful of the
connections made on the internet and use the internet wisely and considerately
for your entertainment, research or business but please, please, please do not
let it consume you. There are amazing
skies to see, trees and flowers to commune with and birds outside to listen
to. Take some time to connect with what
is real so that you don’t get too caught up.
It won’t be long, I think, until internet addiction is categorized
outside of it’s current status as a connection with “compulsive disorders” of
sorts. Want to know more? Hehehe Google it.
If you’re a social media maven or social savvy being, that
is fabulous and I congratulate you. Just
don’t forget that you are part of physical reality here too. We do sometimes also need down time, time to
pause, consider and reflect on what we’ve taken in. Thich Nhat Hanh said in his book Peace is Every Step (I think it was) something to the effect of being mindful about what you fill your head with.
This is important as well with social media time. Be good to yourself and considerate of those
you encounter both online and in the real world. Have fun. That’s what life is for. Just don’t forget to be human, don’t forget
to take time outs and reconnect you with you or your loved ones. Everything matters. You matter.
© 2015 Jaie Hart (photo/words)
No comments:
Post a Comment