I love Facebook, Twitter, Blogging (and yes am even on Google+). Social Media has a ton of benefits and endless possibilities, many of which we have featured on TheWayItCouldBe.com. Nonetheless, there are many social media potholes that we can easily fall into.
The biggest “death trap” of all seems to be when we look to these platforms for our validation. We look to our social connections to say whether or not we matter, whether or not we matter to them. Some look to big name celebrities or those with large followings to try to network and be noticed, in the hope that this person’s influence will win them influence. Some spend a TON of time working the field, trying to be noticed. Others simply hope that a friend or two to ten will agree, notice, share or simply acknowledge. The result can be a dangerous death trap that will try to warp your sense of reality. In many ways it can be like the 5 year old that runs around on the playground kicking and screaming, doing anything to get someone else’s attention!
I wonder what would happen if we spent that time being authentic- who we were created to be, instead of who we think others want to see or hear. Not worrying about a following. Not concerned about who thinks what or when or why. What if our sense of validation and identity came not from others, but from whom we know we are called to be- who we were created to be?
What do you think? Is this a struggle for you? What are other social media traps we should look for? What are healthy ways to achieve balance and not be sucked into this social media trap?