Social Addition

Social media is a monster in its own way. Once said, social media has connected so many from near and far it has silenced the human race at the same time. The sound of a person’s voice allows for emotions on every level but with no voice of hearing, emotion just can’t be distinguished though email, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest or other social media outlets.

Although they call it social media and as many people have already noted it’s not social at all. What’s going on that today’s human race are reticent to actually talk over the phone? We know that face-to-face interaction creates emotions, joy and when we walk away, leaves a connection that can be felt. But now, with eyes on a gadget and fingers on a tool, it appears there is a real verbal communication debacle. So one question is brought forth: ” Is true communication really nonexistent in this generation?”

What is really missed as we use the impact of text or social media? Where is the delight in hearing the excitement in someones voice? Where are the intonations? Is a smile detected or misdirected? I personally have experienced countless examples of miscommunications, misinterpreting tones, misreading messages or reading into messages things that were not even there.

The simple exchanging of information and the connivence of it is definitely a positive when considering social media communication. We all find it to our advantage to multi-task and complete a days work but at what expense? Face-to-face interaction builds true trust, enhances communication, tackles sensitive issues immediately, allows the gathering of information through tone helping vision sharing. It connects people in times of need and sorrow.

Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets are great for creating trends and getting the word out about things. It’s interesting to see folks so called passions being talked about and demonstrated on Facebook. For example, in 2014 there was the ice bucket challenge demonstrated over and over and then the seemingness endless and out of control venting from some that place a flame on an already lit fire. Many have come to the conclusion that to get off Facebook and take some real action regarding passions would bring the best results. Maybe instead of point to a friend’s wall, peek over the neighbor’s wall and start a conversation with that friend and together volunteer time without even sharing it on a social media site. Just do it for the cause, for yourself, for a friend.

So, how texting and social media really effected your life?

1. Safety-Are you texting or surfing social media while driving? If a person was seriously injured because of your lack of awareness could you justify it?

2. La-La Land-Are you living out your dreams or following them on social media?

3. The Good Times-Are you more interested in snapchatting your “good time” with friends instead of just having a good time?

4. Focus-Are you waking up to social media and closing your eyes to it?

5. True Friends-If you canceled your social media today how many friends would contact you via phone?

As has been said over and over, we only have one day like today. It is important to realize the social media’s secluded behavior may only worsen if we do not start with change within ourselves. Each of us must focus our attention on truly caring for those who mean something in our lives. As we look around us, we should be thankful for the things we have and show those involved in our lives how much by creating real emotions and face-to-face interaction with them. Now here is the way to really enrich the lives of those in our circle of influence.

I spend quite a bit of time online and I understand the draw. Social media is fanciful to me just like it may be to you but I try to remember not be so self-centered and attention-seeking that I lose the joyful opportunity to really give and communicate love and happiness. I’m focusing on not being on my phone or with my nose in my computer and distracted from co-workers or family members sitting right next to me. I’m realizing more and more there are neighbors, employees, elderly folks and random people I meet day-to-day that are in need of assistance and how tragic if I miss my opportunity to help while searching the web.

Cheers to speaking to each other in public and FaceTiming distant family members. Here’s to learning the UPS guys name and smiling at Publix grocery store employees. Heres to living!

Katie Girl