Here are 10 things I’ve learned from social media.
Well, actually, I’ve learned a lot more from social media than these 10 items, but these 10 somehow stand out because I see evidence of them every day.
1. Everyone is a doctor, happy to offer unsolicited medical advice at any time, day or night.
2. The admirable grace with which caretakers care for the ill and seriously disabled people they love.
3. The staggering amount of pain individuals carry.
4. The amazing resilience of the human spirit.
5. The complete obsession many women have with how they look, to the exclusion of anything else, including the state of the world.
6.The vast amount of insecurity masquerading as egotism running rampant.
7. The joys of having a family and all the ups and downs that go with it.
8. The cries for attention that people don’t even hear themselves making.
9. The wonderful new opportunities for health and good work embraced by people at midlife.
10. That this is September 11 and I don’t need to read any posts that tell me never to forget because there is absolutely no way I can ever forget what happened. I just add it to the vast list of other atrocities that have gone on since and continue to go on and pray that a better world will prevail.
So, I wonder: What have YOU learned from social media?
I’ve learned that people share the most wildly inappropriate things, and instead of being quietly taken aside by their friends and advised to tone it down, they’re encouraged to tell us more. I can’t help but feel that if I met these people at a cocktail party, they wouldn’t be as forthcoming as they are online.
Because of this verbal and written diarrhea, I’ve also learned to use the Unfollow and Mute buttons!
Great list, Carol –
OMG isn’t that true. And some still do even when their friends take them aside. They feel it’s their God-given right to spill the most intimate details of their lives. Not. Interested.
I have also learned that some people, like you, Carol really do care and will take the time to help others or at least lend a supporting word when possible.
The amount of love and empathy people carry in their souls and hearts for people they have never meant.And a dump loud about writing and other writers processes.
Great list, Carol…I totally agree! I’ve learned that folks like you….our tribes….are so willing to share, support, lift each other up daily. And I’ve learned lots of great writing/grammar tips that flow by each day……whether wd need them or not!
I like the lifting up stuff. It always surprises me when people feel they have to be negative or even a bit insulting. Uh, yeah, not sure you know what that says about YOU, I think.
Of those on your list, Nos. 3 and 4 are the ones that most resonate with me. I’ve also learned that too many people react too quickly, too negatively to others online. There’s goodness, kindness, compassion amidst the pain and intolerance. THAT is what we should focus on, promote, encourage — even if others don’t express it the way WE would.
I have learned that every body does indeed have a story to tell. I have learned that when I am having a really bad day I simply look to social media to see so many who are having a worse day than I can imagine and many who are having great days to remind me life can change in a moment.
Most importantly, I’ve learned that there is great therapeutic value in a group of supportive people lifting each other up by celebrating and sharing each other’s work.
And…I really think crafting this list should be a group exercise :)! Important to look at the “why” every now and then….
I’ve learned that people feel unleashed to express the most vile thoughts and in the most vile language when they comment on the web. But I’ve also learned there are supportive people out there who are willing to share their experience and advice with a stranger [excuse me: online acquaintance]. The generosity is amazing. Also learned how time consuming it is to follow the constant flow of information. and how important it is to retreat from that flow and stay within yourself.
thanks for starting the list–and the thinking.
How enthusiastic so many are about continuing – at every age – to make their lives better, more peaceful, more connected to others, funnier, happier and with less focus on how they look doing it. I am encouraged to see how many people honor their age in general for these things that matter instead of apologizing for it.
I’ve learned that some folks & friendships are best contained within the confines of my computer where the ability to shut down & walk away is always, always available. I’ve also learned that there are many different definitions for the words “privacy”, “personal” and “appropriate” – social media runs the gamut and stretches the imagination on where the lines are drawn in relationship to these terms. I often wonder if we first engaged people online before meeting them in person how many friends we’d have (and whom they’d be).
I’ve learned to be very careful not only of what you share, but how you say it. People cannot see your facial expressions or hear your tone of voice over social media. With those cues to your meaning removed, simple words can be taken the wrong way. I’ve seen it happen so many times and it makes me cringe.
As to your last item, for many of us, the date and the memories feel as though they have become part of our flesh. As you say, no need to even speak of it. Forgetting is impossible.
I’ve learned how much I enjoy connecting with people I would never have met if it wasn’t for social media. I’ve also learned to moderate my online time so I don’t overload.
And most important, I’ve learned that nothing, absolutely nothing, is private, no matter how private one may think something is. I have learned to be extremely careful about what I write online.
Your list is right on. I have learned that people judge too much from a FB post. Additionally, just because people post positive messages, doesn’t mean they don’t have challenges. They just choose not to share them which is their prerogative. Great post.
Great list, Carol. I think I’ve learned that social media is very stressful. The feeling that you can’t be absent for a day or two or something terrible will happen. It’s almost as stressful as being “social” everyday. It’s an odd phenomena, all of this sharing. I’ve loved it and hated it.
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I’ve learned that people share the most wildly inappropriate things, and instead of being quietly taken aside by their friends and advised to tone it down, they’re encouraged to tell us more. I can’t help but feel that if I met these people at a cocktail party, they wouldn’t be as forthcoming as they are online.
Because of this verbal and written diarrhea, I’ve also learned to use the Unfollow and Mute buttons!
Great list, Carol –
OMG isn’t that true. And some still do even when their friends take them aside. They feel it’s their God-given right to spill the most intimate details of their lives. Not. Interested.
This is great! My sentiments exactly.
😉
Love your list!! Sending love!
Back at you, girl!
I have also learned that some people, like you, Carol really do care and will take the time to help others or at least lend a supporting word when possible.
Thank you, Nora! I love being supportive and it makes me feel good when others are supportive of me. Like you!
The amount of love and empathy people carry in their souls and hearts for people they have never meant.And a dump loud about writing and other writers processes.
Oh yes.
Great list, Carol…I totally agree! I’ve learned that folks like you….our tribes….are so willing to share, support, lift each other up daily. And I’ve learned lots of great writing/grammar tips that flow by each day……whether wd need them or not!
I like the lifting up stuff. It always surprises me when people feel they have to be negative or even a bit insulting. Uh, yeah, not sure you know what that says about YOU, I think.
This is great. I’ve also learned that people obviously have a lot of time, which could be better spent on fixing the world than posting cat videos 🙂
Yes, that always amazes me. Where do people get this time? I’m retired and don’t have it!
Of those on your list, Nos. 3 and 4 are the ones that most resonate with me. I’ve also learned that too many people react too quickly, too negatively to others online. There’s goodness, kindness, compassion amidst the pain and intolerance. THAT is what we should focus on, promote, encourage — even if others don’t express it the way WE would.
I agree. And people don’t read carefully….
I have learned that every body does indeed have a story to tell. I have learned that when I am having a really bad day I simply look to social media to see so many who are having a worse day than I can imagine and many who are having great days to remind me life can change in a moment.
What a good point, Doreen!
Most importantly, I’ve learned that there is great therapeutic value in a group of supportive people lifting each other up by celebrating and sharing each other’s work.
And…I really think crafting this list should be a group exercise :)! Important to look at the “why” every now and then….
What an interesting exercise that would be!
I’ve learned that some people share the most ridiculous things. But I think that’s part of human nature.
Humans are…only human!
I’ve learned that people feel unleashed to express the most vile thoughts and in the most vile language when they comment on the web. But I’ve also learned there are supportive people out there who are willing to share their experience and advice with a stranger [excuse me: online acquaintance]. The generosity is amazing. Also learned how time consuming it is to follow the constant flow of information. and how important it is to retreat from that flow and stay within yourself.
thanks for starting the list–and the thinking.
You are so right about having to set limits.
How enthusiastic so many are about continuing – at every age – to make their lives better, more peaceful, more connected to others, funnier, happier and with less focus on how they look doing it. I am encouraged to see how many people honor their age in general for these things that matter instead of apologizing for it.
oh, now, that’s a good one!
I’ve learned to be happy with myself and not compare myself to others. Everyone has their own story.
Very, VERY true. I wonder how many others have learned this…or not.
This detailed list is spot on, Carol …
I’ve learned that some folks & friendships are best contained within the confines of my computer where the ability to shut down & walk away is always, always available. I’ve also learned that there are many different definitions for the words “privacy”, “personal” and “appropriate” – social media runs the gamut and stretches the imagination on where the lines are drawn in relationship to these terms. I often wonder if we first engaged people online before meeting them in person how many friends we’d have (and whom they’d be).
Now that is an exercise I need to do one day!
Great list, Carol! It’s amazing how people feel social media is a place to air things we don’t need to know about!
Or don’t care about!
I never knew how unhappy and negative so many other people were! That has never been a part of my life and I was quite shocked at first.
I’ve seen some of that, too.
I’ve learned that you can create real friendships with people you’ve never met IRL.
Yep. I remember that back from the original aol chat rooms in the early 90s!
Great insight. #6 could be its own post. Its own book, even.
Yes, it sure could.
I’ve learned to be very careful not only of what you share, but how you say it. People cannot see your facial expressions or hear your tone of voice over social media. With those cues to your meaning removed, simple words can be taken the wrong way. I’ve seen it happen so many times and it makes me cringe.
Right … no context, online.
Funny, poignant, so true.
As to your last item, for many of us, the date and the memories feel as though they have become part of our flesh. As you say, no need to even speak of it. Forgetting is impossible.
I’ve learned how much I enjoy connecting with people I would never have met if it wasn’t for social media. I’ve also learned to moderate my online time so I don’t overload.
And most important, I’ve learned that nothing, absolutely nothing, is private, no matter how private one may think something is. I have learned to be extremely careful about what I write online.
No matter what their calling in life, humans are inherently inclined to help others.
Your list is right on. I have learned that people judge too much from a FB post. Additionally, just because people post positive messages, doesn’t mean they don’t have challenges. They just choose not to share them which is their prerogative. Great post.
Great list, Carol. I think I’ve learned that social media is very stressful. The feeling that you can’t be absent for a day or two or something terrible will happen. It’s almost as stressful as being “social” everyday. It’s an odd phenomena, all of this sharing. I’ve loved it and hated it.