The Change We Need on Social Media
by Sueños on 12/21/16
A lot of people look at this epidemic, and throw their hands up in the air with defeat. However, after some consideration, I feel I have an answer to these issues.
Actively Spread Love on Social Media
Social Media is so early in its burgeoning that etiquette surrounding it and its proper use are hard to define. When we consume Media we're used to it being a one way street, we watch, we read, we continue. Due to this, I feel we very rarely use the SOCIAL aspect of social media. What I'm recommending isn't liking every meme, video, or picture you see on Facebook. What I am recommending is any time someone puts their heart out there by posting pictures of their family, themselves, their artwork, or an event they're having, act as though they were sharing it with just you. We can utilize this tool to foster relationships with family who lives thousands of miles away, and bond with friends who we haven't seen in years. We can give people words of love and encouragement in times when they may need them most.
Try to Understand, Don't Just Reply
It's easy to get caught up in a Facebook, and let it bring out the worst in you. The blood boiling frustration that comes when someone just simply won't understand your side of the argument, but did you for a minute try and understand their side? Did you try and see what set of values they might hold, that's informing their opinion? If you really want to try and change someone's mind, the best thing you can do is stir up some cognitive dissonance. Moreover, in a study on changing of attitude as it relates to mood state those who were relaxed showed the largest change in attitude when presented with a persuasive argument. People's discourse online too often gets too intense. There's a person on the other end of that monitor.
Being able to connect with people we care about should be a rewarding experience, but too often the anonymity we're granted allows us to speak to people in a way we never would face to face. Social media can be a ground for communication and understanding of people from all walks of life, if we're willing to make it one. That's how it transforms into a great democratizing force, we attempt to approach the life events shared with empathy and compassion for one another. We celebrate the miracle we call life with each other, at a speed which we were never capable of before.
This is a guest blog from one of our coaches Diego Andreas, if you like what you heard, then check out his blog at www.wonderingintomyself.com
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