If you’re reading this then you’re a part of the only generation of human beings who will ever live to have experienced life before and after the advent of social media. That’s not just a unique position the history of mankind, it’s also a unique responsibility.
The ability to interact and communicate with so many people, so quickly, and over such a distances is a miraculous technology — on par with the invention of the wheel and the domestication of fire. I’m awed by that, every day of my life. We live in an amazing age.
It’s only in how we use this technology though, that will define its place in our species’ history. We, the first generation to use what will be used by every generation subsequent to ours, must set the tone. I’ve argued for as long as I’ve been a participant, that most people who use social media could be using it better and should be using it for higher purposes.
The use I see of social media is often tantamount to imbeciles playing with matches. Inevitably most everyone burns their fingers. And all too often, someone burns down the house or even their community. It should go without saying that if one doesn’t play with matches, they won’t get burned nor start an unwanted fire.
Negativity only breeds more negativity, and escalation of negativity on social media is a spark to a handful of straw.
I know many people reading this who claim they don’t use social media — and actually believe that. Blogging is a form of social media. Whether you’re the writer or the reader of a blog, you’re a participant in social media. If one checks or makes reviews on Yelp, hunts for bargains on eBay or Craigslist, uses apps like NextDoor, WhatsApp, or even participates in email or texting groups, then they also use a form social media. Sharing photos via a smartphone with friends or family in distant places is a form of social media.
I’m a fan of the technology, but not always of how it’s used. Of course I say the same about religion, government, and capitalism. I do my best to use it with good intentions. I’ve never been much of a leader, but I wish more people would follow my lead on this one.
We must use the technology of social media better.
In all of this, I’ve included some smartphone pictures I took last week. I’ll take more again next week and share them here. And I’ll probably include another opinion about one thing or another, and hope I’ve done it with the best of intentions.
Lastly, I’ll remind anyone reading this that what makes one a good craftsman, a good statesman, or a good human is understanding the possibilities, the risks, and the limits of one’s tools and technologies.
This is what I think about when I ride… Jhciacb
This week by the numbers…
Bikes Ridden: 7
Miles: 192
Climbing: 7,100’
Mph Avg: 16.0
Calories: 11,100
Seat Time: 12 hours 05 minutes
Whether you ride a bike or not, thank you for taking the time to ride along with me today. If you haven’t already, please scroll up and subscribe. If you like what you read, give it a like and a share. If not, just keep scrollin’. Oh, and there’s this from Tom Jones. Enjoy…!
The Spoke And Word™ 
Interestingly, I have been thinking a lot about social media lately. My guess is that there is a huge silent majority that does not use it and a much smaller vocal majority that uses it poorly. Meaning a huge amount of misinformation that is taken as truth. I’m also struck by no matter how factual information can be, there is always someone that disagrees with it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I appreciate the comment, very much. I disagree though, inasmuch as I think more people use it than admit. I can’t tell you how many people I know say they have nothing to do with any aspect of social media, yet site it all the time in conversations and in emails.
I think a lot of people use it and want to feel some sense of anonymity, or in some cases, even feel shame in admitting that they use it.
Although being dated by a couple of years now, in his book Irresistible (2017), Adam Alter three out of four people in the first world have an account with either Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, notwithstanding the many platforms that have appeared since then.
Regardless, the numbers are pretty clear, a great majority of people use some form of electronic media that can be defined as ‘social media’, every week of their lives.
LikeLike
I had the opportunity to be Head Coach of our son’s football team. This responsibility went beyond our son,we had 28 kids on the team to care for their safety and well being,teaching them the basics of the game. In my first staff meeting,I told the assistants you can make a Positive or Negative Impact on these kids lives.Let’s keep this positive, safe and fun.Social Media started out fun,getting caught up with old friends,keeping in touch with family.With many things in life: Food,Drinks,Politics,Religion,Money,Race/Gender I try and take things responsibly in moderation. When it comes to Social Media we assume the users would be responsible of their content with sharing posts,pictures,likes and follows. Then BAM ! One Ooops of an offensive comment made by many forgetting that Social Media Is Not Private. It’s out there for Everyone to See. With so much Good and Bad going on in the World. I’m trying to manage my own Scheisse and do not have time for the Negativity. This is why, I have for myself have deleted my Facebook,Instagram,LinkedIn to name a few. So that I can focus on The W.I.N. “What’s Important Now” Faith Family Friends. All things in moderation. Social Media is a Good Thing, It’s How We and The Way We use it that can make a Positive or Negative Impact.
Be Well My Friends
LikeLiked by 1 person
Man I struggle with it at times. I think I’m doing good and only using in moderation and then I get a friendly reminder on my phone that tells me I did better than the day before by only spending 4.5 hours on it. That’s no bueno.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I get it. I chalk up my use to being my social life while I watch Jeopardy and Wheel with mom. I probably use it too much, but I try hard to use it for good purposes.
Thank you, Heidi…!
LikeLiked by 1 person