Likes Wanted....PLEASE!

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As I do my morning scroll of social media over coffee most days, prior to posting on my business page, I come to realize time and again how damaging this whole social media scene is.  I say this with still being active on there by the way, (and am posting this blog to it) so if you take this as contradictory in your opinion, that’s ok, I do get it. 
As a society this has become a way of life.  Is it good for me?  Well, yes.  It is fantastic for my practice, and being connected to those whom I adore, or even to the group of old high school mates that I truly do enjoy seeing where they are in life and what they have to celebrate it with; relationships, children, trips, etc.!  It is also a brilliant way to network and get the word out about things.  When I see someone that is in need and watch how the media takes it to rally for them and raise awareness, it’s incredible how a community can be pulled together in a jiffy.  Hell, we just had our cat go missing for almost a month in this stereotypical Canadian winter, with snow/ice storms and negative temperatures we hadn’t had in a long time, and through these outlets, along with some good old-fashioned flyer postings, it felt like we had a brigade of neighbourhood watchers on high alert 24 hours a day. Phone calls and messages of any fresh footprints or sightings that had shown up on their turf, were so welcomed, and yes, he is now safe and sound at home, thanks to all of this.
What I have noticed muchly about these social media pages is the desperation that comes through within many postings.  Sure, you can make them look innocent, but the underlying pain is there.  There is a need for the ones posting a selfie with a caption of self that may be downward to them or even if it states something that seems they are physically happy with.  Both show to me a sign of needing.  Needing approval, needing compliments, needing that “thumbs up” or even better yet a heart emoji or the lengthy message in the comment section from someone they may not really even “know” but if they tell you that you are beautiful, then they are definitely “friend” worthy…right?
Another regular occurrence in this wonderful online world, is the bragging rights.  I am all about being proud of what I have or someone else with what he/she has, I actually love seeing this.  Those genuine moments warm my heart immensely!  My favourite thing is to hear about how lovely someone’s experiences are, but the egotistical ones, not so much.  Come on, we are all not living the perfectly spectacular lives we post about.  There are downtrodden times, it happens.  We are not always (and for some not much at all) 100% secure in ourselves…and that’s ok.   But are the new pair of Gucci’s that you just added to your “collection” going to help that, or the size of your new boat?  Not likely. 
Again, I am all about someone that has worked hard to get what they have strived for, (more feel good stories) and it makes me smile for them, but it is so easily seen when it is just the “Hey look at what I’ve got, and how great it makes me!”.  The trophy buck on the wall, so to speak. 
I do feel for these people that are in need.  I feel for anyone that is in need, be it for attention, compliments, reassurance, really, we all need those things.  I also feel that there is a better way to get what you need…the real way, and please if this is speaking to you personally, I am gladly open for a message, that’s what the inbox is there for.  It’s quite courageous to say to another…” I need some attention.” or “I don’t feel good about myself in some way and could use a little reassurance.”
 
The other luxury of the media world is that it is another place to voice our opinions, and boy how we do!  I see postings that my intuition tells me is a way to push some buttons and to wake up the non-believers of such, but why?  To start debate?  For arguments sake?  How does that serve you?  The stir the pot method is very much a way to brew up some negativity soup, or a riot in a saucepan, in my opinion.  The “Imma leave this right there” approach. 
It is human nature to have differences of opinion be them political, sexual, religious, anything, but it is also human nature to be connected.  Next time you want to chime in on that post that fuels your fire and that you strongly disagree with, ask yourself how you could do so, but still stay connected to your fellow human.   You’d be surprised at how the blood won’t reach boiling point this way, and all walk away agreeing to disagree. 
My awareness of this lately has brought me to skim my timeline as of late with an open mind (as usual) but also to have a timeline that makes me smile, laugh, and nod my head with the postings from the heart, rather than the ones that make me wince, shudder inside and shake my head.   Those are not going to be there anymore.  I don’t need to make the official posting of “I am cleaning out my friends list.” And have people replying to be sure to keep them, I just quietly do what I do to bring in the flow that is best for me.  There are no judgement, nor do I dislike anyone, it’s rather quite simple, and for any who take it any other way, that is up to them.  My inbox is always open.