Reflections on social media

As we view the world around us, we are influenced by our environment.

We, individually and as a society, allow things and people into our environment that influence us to think, feel and act in a certain way. Over the past few decades, technological advances have infiltrated our lives and now lead us to believe ‘how can we live without those new tools we have at our disposal?’

These tools I am referring to are emails and other various social networks such as but not limited to Facebook, Myspace, Tweeting and texting. During this moment of reflection, I would like to explore how we are given these tools and how they are used in productive and non-productive ways.

Emailing and texting assists people in setting appointments, getting reminders, and can assist in managing our lives. How could we ever have lived without these tools and are we becoming dependent on them?

Everything in the world is changing and you have to adapt to the world around you in order to thrive. It may seem that in order to keep up with the changing world, we have to change too by using devices and social media to express our thoughts. Just because we adapt to the world of technology does not mean that we don’t have to throw out reason and good judgment when using any type of technology to communicate.

Social media is a good way to stay “in touch” with others and a good way to communicate. However, let’s look at the communication given.

Can you only imagine someone sending a text or email and the sender with intention of being humorous, but the receiver of the email or text finding the information to be sarcastic? How many opinions are made about people due to their sent messages? When communicating with someone via any other way than face to face interactions, it is probably best to consider the possibility of how the sent communication could be received. Also, consider whatever you send, you can never get back.

When you’re using social media, think about the way you want people to view you. Let’s say you put some compromising photographs of yourself at a party on social media. Two weeks later you get a call from a potential employer and you have an interview for your dream job. Some employers will view prospective employees’ social media accounts as a screening process. The employer views your social media account and you don’t get the job. Some may argue that the employer has crossed boundaries, but it’s out there for everyone to see. Also, does what type of employees an employer hires reflect the reputation of the business?

Another reflection that I have on social media is cyberbullying – using social media to bully others. Young people have chosen to take their lives – due to constant harassing messages – on social media.

Parents should be involved and be aware of what messages, links and photographs they’re children are ‘sharing’ via technological devices. Also, you can rest assured that a child can figure out how to use the device, but as a parent, give your child some kind of direction on the proper etiquette of communicating with others and being responsible for their actions. As a parent, periodically check your child’s social media accounts and cell phones. A child may not like it, but is it the right parenting thing to do?

In this article, I have briefly addressed some of the benefits and concerns with social media, emails and texting. Allow yourself to be cognizant of how you interact with others especially when communicating by technological means. Just remember that the way you communicate with others is a reflection of how others see you.

Emil Knowles is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a National Board Certified Counselor with an office in Green Cove Springs.