There is still a lot of skepticism about social media and what is its role in our lives. For many, social media is just another waste of time. Who really cares about what your Facebook friend eats for lunch? or why do we care whether your co-worker is going to the Zoo on Sunday? or perhaps who cares whether so and so decided to cut her hair? and other trivial updates that people make. I would argue, if people decide to use social media with such updates and content, I say let them be. They have the full right to do so.
I would add also that in this case, it is not the fault of the technology that people decide to use it in this way, in fact, such behaviours are nothing new. What makes social media different from “old media” like the telephone is that in social media our thoughts become more visible, because people tend to think “out loud” through social updates. Social media allows us to see what’s in people’s minds. In fact, Facebook asks “what’s on your mind?”, so guess what you are going to find with the kind of content we see on social networks? Well, yes, people’s minds, Facebook and other social networks allow us to read people’s minds. It seems odd to think, like this is the work of psychics or clairvoyants to achieve such a feat. It is any wonder that you may feel disgusted by what is in people’s minds? I say: then don’t befriend these people. Befriend and surround yourself around people that will help your growth. Just like when you do this in the “real” world when you befriend people who can help your growth collectively, you can also also exercise discernment and surround yourself around people in your networks who will help your growth. If you are not at all into this “growth” I am talking about, then don’t complain about social media, because it is not the fault of social media, it is either the choices of the individuals who choose to use social media as an extension of their minds or to be a pure source of leisure.
Befriend and surround yourself around people that will help your growth. Just like when you do this in the “real” world when you befriend people who can help your growth collectively, you can also also exercise discernment and surround yourself around people in your networks who will help your growth. If you are not at all into this “growth” I am talking about, then don’t complain about social media, because it is not the fault of social media, it is either the choices of the individuals who choose to use social media as an extension of their minds or to be a pure source of leisure.
I can attest to the fact that I have carefully selected most of my Facebook friends, who I follow on Twitter, Pinterest and LinkedIn. These are people in my networks I believe are worthy to listen their minds, whether it is through their sharing of content like links, articles, videos, thoughts, quotes, images I believe to be of importance for my growth. Of course, you can say: “Well, some people I just like, but can put up with their stuff.” This can be said of family members, who you cannot just unfriend, or else you will hear it at the next family meeting! Well, you can care enough to customize your settings on social networks to select the kinds of thinks you want to hear about these people.
Essentially, I leave you with this metaphor: Think of a social setting in the “real” world like university, if you wanted to grow in your studies, wouldn’t you want to hang out with the “smart” people ? This way you can have enriching sharing of information through conversations etc and also be in the know of materials and homework that will complement your academic growth? Well, it may seem like I am segregating, but social networks can help your personal growth if you should choose this path.
