We’ve all done it – while scrolling through our Instagram or Facebook feed we often scoff at what others have posted:
- Car-selfies (“Really? Come on.”)
- Birthday posts (“Do you want me to say Happy Birthday?”)
- Throw-back-Thursday (“Wow, throw-back to 3 weeks ago?”)
- Workout photos (“I love seeing your biceps.”)
- Wedding pictures (“How many wedding picture have you posted now?”)
- Self-accomplishment (“I can climb Mount Everest too.”)
- …And the list goes on.
As self-employed ‘social media critics’ we downgrade the efforts of some, and dream of getting as many “likes” as others.
When did our enjoyment and support for our friends and family become an eye rolling, finger-scrolling thirty minutes of our day?
Social media networks such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter have altered our perception of socio-psychological interactions, and rewired our brains. No longer can we go on vacation, a romantic date, have a party, or go to a concert without pausing to take the perfect “candid” picture for our followers. Our efforts stem from our desire to be accepted, and to be the cool kid, constantly doing cool things. Sadly, more time is often spent taking the picture than actually enjoying whatever we are doing. “Living in the moment” has been replaced by “posting about the moment.”
Long ago (like 5 years ago), posting on Instagram meant taking horrible quality pictures with no particular purpose. We enjoyed seeing what our friends posted, and we laughed at whatever we posted. Everybody followed everybody, and there were no “guidelines” or “rules.”
Slowly, however, our competitive nature crept into our social media lives and we started caring about posts showing “where she went,” or “whom he was dating.” Quickly, we developed a taste for certain types of pictures and disdain for all else. We felt entitled to cast abrupt judgments about the people we followed, and exercised our disapproval with the all-powerful “Unfollow” button.
Who came up with these rules anyway? The answer is simple: we all did.
Our snap judgments that we often cast about other people in the real world are magnified in the world of social media. Why is this? It’s because we are protected behind a computer screen or cell phone. No one sees our criticism, and therefore we feel free to judge others. Everyone sees our Instagram or Facebook posts, and therefore we feel free to focus on taking the “perfect picture”, instead of living in the moment.
Stop.
It’s time to treat people as equals. It’s time to stop. What do I mean by this? Treat people on social media the same way you do in person. Choose to be a friend, not just a “follower.” Social media provides a window into our own lives for the whole world to see, share what you love, and how you love to share it. Enjoy the differences, quirkiness, and beauty of your friends. If you feel inclined to roll your eyes or criticize a picture or Tweet, consider instead where that person is coming from—or just turn off your phone.
Behind a computer screen or mobile phone your choice to abstain from criticism may go unnoticed, but your personal character and integrity will thank you.
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