Social media; post responsibly
To post or not to post? That is the question I and others on social media are asking.
Social media started for me in 2004 with Myspace and AIM. I was 14 years old and the biggest dilemma I faced back then was how to rank my top 8 friends or what away message to leave for my crush to see. Facebook came along and the digital camera selfies kept rolling in. If only I could find the password to my Photobucket account, oh the memories. Social media has evolved in my life as a place for staying connected with family and friends to the place where I get my first glimpse of any news. Nowadays, before I’ve even gotten out of bed I find myself checking my phone to see the latest on pop culture or politics.
Indeed the content in my news feed has changed and grown with me as I’ve matured into my 30’s. It is common for me to see people I went to high school with or family members engaging in political conversations on Facebook. Admittedly, I read these threads without engaging, reaching for my handful of popcorn as the comments intensify. Gladly, I can say I have seen positive, constructive discussions take place. I have also seen all-caps anger and misunderstanding with it ending in “I am blocking you!” When asked if they have ever been unfriended or blocked for differences in political views, 52% of Logos Instagram followers who responded to our poll answered yes. The question I think more people should be asking themselves is: Is it really worth it to destroy lifelong relationships over political rhetoric? Politicians come and go, but family is forever. Friends who have known each other half their lives, even family members, are being split apart by their perceived differences.
Fortunately, this is an unfortunate problem that people are largely aware of. A national poll by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) reveals, “More than one in three adults (38%) see social media usage as harmful to mental health; nearly half (45%) see social media usage as having both positive and negative impact on mental health; only 5% see it as having a positive impact.”
There are two sides to the coin of social media. It has given tremendously to movements that advocate for causes in need of attention. On the flipside, this is often paired with confusion and sensory overload that can make absorbing the information daunting and paralyzing.
Social media is a powerful tool for everyday people and those of high status alike to put information right into the scrolling thumbs of those who are influenced by them. Post responsibly. Educate yourself, and fact check. Don’t believe everything you read at first glance and don’t be quick to judge others whose beliefs don’t seem to align with your own.
Before you make a post be mindful of and prepared for possible backlash from those who have opposing views. 46% of those who answered Logos Instagram poll said they have deleted a post after finding out it was fake news and 52% have received backlash for something they posted. I have stayed silent on social media in the past due to fear of backlash.
Posting your beliefs to social media is a sensitive and personal process. Ideologies are constantly evolving and progressing, and not everyone learns and processes things at the same pace. A social media post is not the only way to be an active ally. The visibility and connection that social media gives us is undeniable, but ultimately, you don’t have to post to make a difference.
