Facebook and other social media sites/apps are supposed to bring people together. Sometimes, though, it does quite the opposite. Sometimes it is not a nice place.
Think before you post.
We have all heard stories of people not getting a job in a job search or losing a current job because of what they posted on social media. Is it worth a photo that may not showcase you in the best light? Is it worth expressing controversial views or calling someone out? Is your future worth it? Is there a better way to get your feelings out than on a social media platform for thousands to see?
Think before you post.
Is it worth all the damage it could cause? A good rule of thumb is this – I ask it of myself often in life – “Is this helping or hurting?”
And then there are the people arguing about political ideologies. Has anyone ever convinced someone to change her or his mind because of a social media post? Maybe, but I have never observed that. All I see from these posts are division and arguing. I personally have enough struggles in my life without making social media the cause of even more.
Think before you post.
There are certain things you should not find out on social media – important news. I know it is easy to make a post about something like a pregnancy, birth, or engagement. But news like this should come form someone you love, when they are ready to share. Have you ever been hurt by not finding out in person or at least by a person?
Think before you post.
And what about a tragedy or bad news like an illness? Should you find out about that on social media?
Everyone has their own opinions, but unless you are absolutely trying to get information out as quickly as possible in an emergency, maybe it is worth the wait, the phone call, the talk in person, and the personal touch.
Think before you post.
Lastly, be careful about the identity information you post online. In my doula training they warned us about posting about births on social media, and it really got me thinking about what all can be contained in one of those birth announcement post that could be used for identity theft. Not everyone has good intentions.
Think before you post.
Some things are better left off of social media and announced/talked about in person. Do not rely on social media to bring everyone together because quite often it does not do that all.
Think before you post.
