Facebook? Negatory, Ghostrider.

Social media. I’d be the first to tell you I have always hated it; I’ve spent my adult life extolling the hazards. Believe me, it would’ve made maintaining some semblance of friendship (how deep of one, debatable) with people I’d met during our frequent military moves a bit easier, but I couldn’t buy into the consequences of joining…and there are quite a few…and it isn’t lost on me that I’m writing a blog that I’ll share on Facebook.

High on my list of negligible benefits of social media is the false idea of maintaining relationships. Do not be fooled. A true relationship, a friendship, requires expending energy, and I’m not talking about the time it takes to click the thumbs up or heart after viewing someone’s vacation pics. Maintaining a friendship involves investment–thinking of the other person’s needs, caring that you haven’t heard from him or her or maybe there’s illness involved, mental or physical, and you need to go over and make sure all is well. Giving the polished highlights of your life doesn’t constitute a conversation; it’s the phone or face-to-face interaction where each give-and-take illuminates the true nature of the other’s well being. How often have you heard that someone was going through something difficult, and you’re shocked? Well, they didn’t post it! There are those who post everything, at least that they’re willing to share, but many do not–including some of your friends.

Next is the belief that a one-sided conversation comprises an actual exchange. When discussing, all involved have an opportunity to give input, hopefully, kindling mutual understanding or, at least, a respectful dialogue. With social media, there tends to be an “either you’re with me or you’re not” attitude, which can lead to saying things that would never be said in person.

Misleading to fallacious information abounds as well, preying on the fear, prejudices, ignorance, or even naivete’ of all of us. It’s so effortless to believe ideas and suppositions that fall in line with our own, especially in such an immediate medium (your welcome😂). Taking the time to check the credibility of a source can seem cumbersome.

Joining Facebook required a huge effort–I’d prided myself in staying out of the fray–but a new job necessitated the leap. Honestly, the whole shibang still annoyed me; I planned on terminating my account when I left the job. Luckily, I hung on, mainly because of friends and family members who gave me a glimpse into the celebrations, joys, and happiness in their lives…and I’m so thankful I did.

Being quarantined alone proved difficult the first week or two or three, but elements of Facebook helped to shape positive additions to my life. For starters, the jokes are definite keepers; a good laugh improves everything. I have a friend in Germany who started having a question of the day, just a fun “What if”, “What would you choose”, “What’s your favorite” type of querie. It’s the first thing I look for when I go on. The women of WERQ, as I call them, (hip-hop/pop dance exercise group instructors) started a group that posted different dances to learn, eventually setting up a ZOOM account and holding classes throughout the week–for free. Their classes not only brought fun and exercise but some air of normality. People find their lost animals! I was able to return someone’s cat that had been missing for 4 months! What??? How’s that for awesome! Plus, I’ve entered the rescue-animal-video rabbit hole more times than I should admit. Who doesn’t appreciate people saving animals, for crying out loud? Fortunately, I have friends who are wizards with their cameras, taking wildlife photos worthy of a gallery–love those! Seeing graduations, birthdays, promotions–important events in the lives of friends–such a cool benefit.

It’s not that I don’t still see the pitfalls of social media; I do. I’m just able to navigate the annoyances much more positively, enjoying the gift of other people’s gracious sharing—thank you all, by the way❤️

Quote of the Day:

“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” Voltaire