* Disclaimer: Someone will be offended. I don’t apologize. I remain the open-minded, optimistic human being who is simultaneously a semi-sarcastic realist who thinks many people need some kind of wake-up call. *
Poll question, if there were a poll – yes or no. If your house is burning down, would you rescue your loved ones then dial 911? Or would you take a picture of the flames, post to a social channel, and ask the vaguely interested public what they think you should do?
Maybe I’m a social voyeur because often I have much to type, yet I sigh aloud then scroll on by only to land on another post that leaves me scratching my head. Instead I ponder, mumble to myself, and get on with my day.
A quick scroll is a fine way to take a few minute break, but more often than not these days, I wonder what the attraction is. That time could be spent playing with the dog, jumping on the treadmill, or simply taking some moments to stretch and mentally relax.
But today, social channels have become our main news source, our way of catching up on what’s happening in the world, and following the Jones’s to see what they’re all up to. It’s as if we’re afraid we’ll miss out on something if we don’t check in.
On the flip-side, social media channels connect us with family, friends, and strangers who become friends around the world. It’s a wonderful way to stay in touch with a broad number of folks and share news, photos, and updates on our lives. But has it robbed us of meaningful communications? We can comment, like, dislike, share, and a myriad of other options to respond, yet is that enriching our lives – touching our souls?
There are countless advantages to social media – but I hate to think that we can’t succeed without it. I’m somewhat bitter about the fact that this generation depends on algorithms, likes, shares, and followers. That many mistake social friends as trusted friends, friends who have walked the walk with you. And self-esteem is either raised or lowered by the attention one gets online. At the same time, they have nothing to compare it to – but those over 40 do. Come on folks.
Over time, I’ve seen multiple videos posted of animals suffering in posts asking, ‘what should I do?’ Take your pet to the vet, that’s what you should do. Seek emergency veterinary medicine, that’s what you should do. Social media has resulted in many trusting online ‘experts’ or opinionated know-it-alls as their educated resources. Sometimes this works, we can learn a lot from each other, but often it does not. Common sense.
Today I saw a post with a car malfunction button asking, ‘what should I do?’ Drive to your local gas station, that’s what you should do. Call a trusted family member or friend, that’s what you should do. Common sense.
The internet has offered us a plethora of resources, but we still must check the references. Who is the source? Where are you getting information?
So please, if your house is burning down, please call the fire department because by the time you tally your social media responses, you most likely will have lost everything. Think about that.
Let’s bring back common sense and the desire to solve problems using it.
