Is this the Question?

We live in a technological world where it is easy to get caught up in the virtual world created online through social media. You may not think it can happen to you, however, experience has taught me that it can. It is in this world that we are faced with the same question every day continually taunting us. What is it?

Photo by Tracy Le Blanc on Pexels.com

The question being… to post or not to post? This is the question.

To post or not to post pertains to both what you share on your social media accounts and what you share on the posts of others. The social media platform has no bearing on this as the question remains the same whether it is with words, photos, memes, video or a combination. Let’s begin by exploring some of the arguments surrounding the question.

Post whatever I want. It is my account.
Posts express my views which is my right under the 1st amendment.
Post to educate those having a different view.
Post my life to share easily with family/friends.
Post the life of their kids/grandkids to share easily with family/friends.
Post to be deemed relevant by others.
Post to be influential over others.
Post to share positivity.
Post to spread negativity.
Post to gain attention.
Post not to be alone.
Post to create or maintain an illusion.
Post to bait others to react.

and the list continues…

Do you think the knowledge that posts are digitally recorded footprints somewhere warrants the question to be asked more often and answered more seriously? Something to think about.

Do you have the internal battle of should or shouldn’t I post something? I have this 3 minute battle a lot and most of the time the answer is “no”. This is especially true when wanting to say something regarding negative posts made by others. By the time I breathe and calm my initial reaction, I realize my energy is more valuable than that. That is not to say that I have never had a “yes” answer backfire because I have. These may be some helpful questions to ask…

Posting –

What is the reason (intent) for my post?

Is the post created out of positivity or positive emotion ?

Is the post created out of negativity or negative emotion?

Are the words I choose demeaning or uplifting?

Does what I post lower me to another level?

Reaction is from a state of turmoil –

Do I or am I reacting to what others say about my posts?

Do I or am I reacting to the posts others make?

Is it worth my energy to react to the posts others make?

Is the post meant as bait to entice a reaction from me?

Response is from a state of calm –

Do I or am I responding to what others say about my posts?

Do I or am I responding to the posts others make?

Do I respond to express support?

Do I respond to provide comfort?

What happens when you are browsing through your newsfeed and see a post that raises your blood pressure? Your initial inclination may be to post a reaction, however, what you actually do is keep on scrolling. This my friend, is the art of scrolling. It aids you in maintaining your peace and protecting your energy. I am the first to admit that this can be more difficult at times than others as was apparent this morning. I think sometimes situations occur where we believe we are being tested. It may seem that way although situations occur so that we may practice what has been learned and prove to ourselves the application of them within our lives.

This morning, I saw a post that expressed negative views about someone as well as a group. This did not sit well with me not because I was offended (I will not allow myself to be offended by outside sources) but because of the blatant ill will directed towards others. This is about energy. So what did I do? I sat back in my chair, took a few deep breaths then clicked on the article attached to the post and read it. As with any story, perspective determines how it is told or reported which is a matter of subjectiveness. I then reminded myself that the energy source of the ill will is where the responsibility and consequence lies as it was that person who chose to use those words when their view could have been expressed without ill will. I did not waste my energy and practiced the art of scrolling.

With what was explained above, some may think that they are shielded from responsibility for sharing such a post and they would be wrong. To share ill will is to direct ill will. It is unknown how the consequence will be received just that it will be.

Do you think that technological advancement hinders or harms human developmental advancement? I pose this question due to the apparent decline in essential basic social constructs such as public behavior, in person interaction, responsibility, respect, agree to disagree and the like. Do you think more has been lost than gained overall?

My Three “Nots” for Social Media

It is important not to be consumed by it.

It is important not to be emotional about posts.

It is important not to be reactive to posts.

My Three “Do’s” for Social Media

It is important to think for yourself.

It is important to use discernment.

It is important to protect your energy.

Take time to disconnect often if not regularly to be present & recharge.

Blessings of Love & Light,

RKB