I was actually supposed to post something different today. I was going to post about a project that we’ve been working on with my usual photo. But this was going around my Facebook and I thought it was definitely worth a share. And apparently – my 2 cents.
First – I like the motion graphics lol. Nice and simple – but very effective.
You can read a bit about it here. And I’ve taken the liberty or sharing the video with you.
There’s a very valid discussion to be had here. The Digital Age has allowed us to do many things. It has allowed us to stay connected and plugged into a world that we want to live in. The days of having your phone in your pocket while having lunch or dinner with a friend so it doesn’t distract you happens few, far, and between. We’re too busy being caught up on what everyone else is doing, where they’re going, and why they’re doing it. Either that, or we’re showing the world what we’re doing, where we’re going, and why we’re doing it. And hey – do I disagree with that? No, not necessarily. I see the advantages of social media as much as the next guy. And hey, I’m all about it. But to a certain point I guess I do disagree because I have to admit, I’m the spitting image of the type of person he describes in the video. I’m the one walking through the mall with my face in my phone instead of watching where I’m going. I’m the person you’re having coffee with that has their phone on the table. I’m the person who brings a charger with them everywhere
they go. The good news is, I’ve been working on pulling myself out of that for quite some time. It’s hard, definitely not an easy task when I’m such a techie.
The easy access to connectivity has really changed and shaped our society in a way that I never really thought would happen. As I look back at the past and see myself grow up in the Internet age, the Internet has made very big leaps and bounds. In a lot of ways, I think, the Internet really dictates our generations’ lives because we choose to allow it. We choose not to live in our moment but in others’ moments. And if you’re like me, you’ll talk about others’ moments instead of your own.
In the video, he talks about loneliness. And in this regard – I agree that social media has something to do with that. Social media is nothing more than what it is – social.media. Some of us choose to idolize it as well as the people in it which has allowed it to have such a strong presence in today’s society. I’ve found myself victim of this many times. I cut, paste, edit, and worry about what others will think of what I post. I worry about what others will think of my life and where I am in it. It’s always been in me – worrying about what others think. Seeking approval. And I did find that social media made it worse. It did make me feel lonely. This urge and feeling of staying connected was a big thing of mine, only for me to come to realize that I can only do so much. What I should be focusing on is the quality of my life and the conversations with the great people I have in it.I have great people in my life and sometimes you just don’t truly appreciate what they bring to your table. How they can enrich your life and make it better. But once I remembered what social media was and what it was doing to me I knew that I needed to make a change. Just as he says in the video:
“If we are not able to be alone, we are only going to know how to be lonely.”
Personally, I think it’s all about balance. Just like everything else. You can indulge in social media, but don’t let it take over your life. Understand what it does for you. Are you promoting a business, are you promoting a brand, are you there for personal reasons? And be truly genuine on there. The last thing people like to see is someone living a “perfect” life. Maybe it’s just me but personally, it’s the last thing I want to see. People actually like to read real stories, both of success and difficulty. I love reading about triumph over difficulty. It may be the classic story plot, but that’s exactly why it’s a classic. 🙂
What do you think about social media? Do you think it’s changing the quality of the conversations we have in person and how we perceive each other online?
