Someone challenged me about my use of social media (specifically Facebook, but also my lack of engagement with Twitter, Linked-in, and other photo or thought sharing services.) I realised right away what the inherent misunderstanding was when he said Whats so great about a sunset photo, or a cute story about your dog that only you really care about, or whatever? I get that you can post what you like... thats the freedom of social media. But it just seems like if youre going to use it, you should use ALL of them maybe... and then engage with them in ways that better the world. Share more political messages, encourage altruism, and point out injustice. Tell people about things that would make them react if they heard about them. To what end? I asked. I mean, I agree with all of that... and I do those things as well, sometimes... but youre right that my focus isnt on using social media in that way primarily. Which makes me ask you: To what end do you do those things, when you do them? To make a better world, he said. To work towards a happier, more beautiful and just place to live. (He actually did the air-quotes thing around the word just, so Im not sure exactly how he meant it.) I love that, I said. And you should keep doing it. And dont take this as a criticism... but... Okay, what? he said. But how do you know its working? What is your yardstick for making progress by striving for those things with what you do on social media? How are you sure your energy is going where its needed? Well, he said slowly...That would be hard to see. I guess it would be when I made a difference. When it makes a difference... or when I saw something change. Or something beautiful happened. Or a wrong was corrected. Sometimes it takes time. He paused. And I believe I make a difference, ...even if its hard to see. Good answer, I said. Now... next time you read something on Facebook that Ive posted, remember that I have no idea if Im making a difference or not, and Im not sure that matters. I just post about the things that inspire my passion to write about them, or inspires my eye to share them. Im just pointing out the things that are for me... well, sometimes hard to see.
Posted on: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 08:20:43 +0000
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