Anti-Social Networking
I am often torn between utilizing social media and resorting back to simpler times. I see some of the positives of social media but as of lately I have noticed the affects it has on authentic relationships. Although the social media first became popular in the early 2000's with "Friendster" and in 2003 with "Linkedin" and maybe you remember "MySpace" , it really exploded with "Facebook". Now we have Twitter and blogs and mobile-based platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram, Foursquare and Tinder to consume our time.We are lead to believe that social media will bring us closer to others and connect us to more people. It may connect us to many people but I think if we all looked honestly at our friends list, we would have to admit that only a handful of those friends would be by our side if we were dying. I also see many young people hiding behind their computers, phones or tablets simply alone in their rooms disconnected from real human contact and social interaction. Young people also do not know how to verbally interact face to face with other humans, they would rather text their responses. Some use social media to be a whole different persona because they are too afraid to just be themselves or won't be accepted otherwise. I won't even get into the issue of how the generation of texting has destroyed the writing skills of our teenagers and collegiates.I was struck by this video that says it so poetically in regards to social media. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_tEMeAVOKI[/embed]In our household, we have some electronic device rules such as; no devices at the dinner table, all electronics off while having discussions or family time and all devices must be turned in just before bedtime(we have a set charging station). I hope that you will commit to limiting your time engrossed in social media platforms and spend more time with the people you care about and develop true relationships. So let's put our devices down watch a live sunrise or go have a cup of coffee with a friend or co-worker and just talk. Build friendships and live life in the present.