The Effects of Social Media
Social media. There have been times when I took a break from social media because I was tired of seeing specific things. Then, I got back on, unfollowed, unfriended, or blocked specific people and pages that was not adding value in
my life. I mean, seeing negativity all day, every day is draining. That is when I chose uplifting, financial, motivational, and inspirational pages to follow along with family and friends. There’s always pros and cons of anything in our lives. Let us talk about social media.
The Ups
Social media is a great tool to share and receive information, keep up with the world, stay in contact with family and friends, connect, promote, fellowship, and advertise. I personally use it to publish information about my website, bootcamps, giveaways, and different events along with sharing an insight to my crazy life. It is a way to stay connected to family and friends who live near and far. Being in the military over the years, we are far away from loved ones, so social media is a way to stay connected. There are so many great things happening in the world that you can be a part of through social media.
Social media can be used to bring awareness and brighten someone’s spirits. I do not know how many times I have been in my feelings about something, overwhelmed, or not feeling myself, and I see a quote or scripture that was
posted that changes everything. It immediately makes me feel better and makes me grateful for another opportunity at life.
The Downs
On the flip side, social media can also be a place where there’s jealousy, hate, envy, and bullying. There are some people who do not have social media for these reasons. I posted a quote on my page a while back that said, “Social media has created jealous behavior over illusions. Sadly, some are envious of things, relationships, and lifestyles that don’t even exist.”
Wow, that is a powerful statement right there. How many times have you seen a post that makes you roll our eyes, scoff, or even a little bit jealous? Hey, I have done it a time or two. What we cannot do is let ourselves get wrapped up
in someone else’s life. Sometimes, or shall I say most of the time, people show you what they want you to see. When was the last time someone posted about themselves being at their lowest moments or struggling?
Many times, I feel we do not really live in the moment because we want to hurry and post it on social media. I am guilty of this because I am eating something or somewhere having fun and I just want to share it with the world. What I have started doing is taking all the beautiful pictures, enjoy and soak up that moment, and sharing the pictures later, maybe even the next day. This gives me an opportunity to live in the moment and not miss anything important. This also shows the person that you care and are giving them your undivided attention. Another downside of social media is the things that are posted. Yes, there is freedom of speech, but that does not mean freedom of consequences. People share their views about politics and religion all the time. Even though you may disagree or agree with them, always think before you type, share, or comment.
Be Yourself
It is completely fine to have social media if you do not let it consume you, distract you, or turn you into an envious person. We all have emotions when it comes to specific things, but how you react to your emotions, tells a lot about
you as a person. It is perfectly fine to admire someone else’s life without downplaying or questioning your own.
And remember, out of all the things you can be in the world, being yourself should be the easiest.
