SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media!! What did we do without it back in the day? Do you remember actually talking to someone without sending a text? Or how about calling up someone on a house phone without that "Caller ID?" Don't get me wrong, I do like social media. it is fun and it's so cool to connect with old friends, but let me share with you some of the downfalls!

     I will never forget when a website called "My Space" came out. Many people signed up and developed their "Page." I honestly had no interest. It was a fad for a season and quickly dwindled. I heard many of the kids in our youth group talking about it. It was almost as if email was becoming a thing of the past and social media was becoming the "thing." Then websites such as Facebook and Twitter began to become popular. Again, I was not into any of those sites and thought they were meant for the younger generation. Then it happened. After calling my brother on his birthday in September 2008, he told me about Facebook and how cool it is. He said you get to connect with so many people, post pictures etc. He told me he was having so much fun with it and that I should give it a shot. That night I signed up. My first "friend" was my brother Mike. Then all of a sudden so many people started asking me to be their "friend." Before you knew it I was posting pictures, getting reacquainted with old college friends and enjoying my first experience of social media. I have been on Facebook for 10 1/2 years now and I have 916 "friends."

     Having been on Facebook and now Instagram, I have noticed a few things that bother me about social media.

1. YOU BEGIN TO COMPARE YOURSELF WITH OTHERS!

 I sometimes find myself looking at other peoples profiles and wondering "They bought a new car. They have a new house. Why can't I have that?" I have learned that we cannot compare ourselves to others and we need to give thanks to God for what we do have and what he has blessed us with!

    2.  IT CONSUMES A LOT OF TIME!

 I have found myself looking at my Facebook page and telling myself "It will only be for a few minutes. A few minutes becomes 15, 20, 25 and sometimes 30 minutes!! Yes, Facebook can be fun, but it can also take you away from things that are important like spending time with family and friends and getting tasks done that need to get done1

     3. EVEN THOUGH YOU MIGHT HAVE 916 FRIENDS, YOU DON'T EXACTLY KNOW ALL 916!

Yes, 916 friends is impressive I know, but I DO NOT know everyone! That would be impossible. through the years I have "unfriended" people and people have "unfriended" me but in reality I am happy to connect with old college buddies but I do so appreciate the people I do have "real" interaction with every single day!

To end on a positive note, it has been fun watching families grow, hearing about upcoming weddings, kids graduating and answers to prayer. I hope after reading this you will learn to appreciate social media and will use it wisely!

UNTIL NEXT TIME!!