Ahhh social media. I’m so glad you came along. How else would I be able to know what my friend had for dinner or how many reps he or she pushed out in the gym today. How could my life possibly be complete without hearing a second cousin twice removed’s opinion on our current political leaders or what my friends granddaughter achieved at day care today? In this day of social media it is so easy to get caught up in other people’s lives. After all is that not what the likes of facebook, Instagram, twitter, snap chat and all the other social media applications are all about? As I scroll through my feed I see so much of other people’s lives there in front of me. I have to admit that much of the time I cannot help but think “What on earth were they thinking, posting that for all the world to see” but then that is only my opinion and as we all know we are all entitled to our opinions.

It also intrigues me that so many can and do become offended by posts and comments made by others. How on earth can people possibly be certain that the post was deliberately aimed at them? Were they tagged in the post? Did the ‘poster’ say their name specifically in the post? More often than not it is an assumption and this, my friends, is dangerous ground for as the old saying goes “to assume is to make an ass out of you and me”. When did we become so prickly?

If the shoe fits… In my observations it is most often those who are very insecure in their own worth who feel that every shoe fits them. Really people! Since when did life become so focused on you that you should become upset over a statement that without the help of social media you probably never would have seen/heard/read? Have our lives become so shallow that they exist only on a feed on your phone, tablet or whatever device you use for your social interaction? I wonder also how many have performed the simple exercise of using correct grammar, punctuation and spelling. Although from what I see in a lot of online interaction there is very little grammar used. I certainly don’t profess to be a grammatical expert however I can see that it can change the context of a sentence totally and completely. Because let’s face it, there’s a big difference between “Let’s eat, Grandpa!” and “Let’s eat Grandpa!”.

When we speak we use tone and inflections to deliver our words. When we write it is virtually a monotone. When we read this monotone we can place the inflections where ever we choose. This also is dangerous ground. Try reading “Oh thank you, that is very funny” with a smile and a happy lilt in your voice. Now try reading the same sentence dripping with sarcasm. Two very different interpretations, aren’t they? Do you see how an innocent comment could be easily misread?

Next time you want a bit of light entertainment go to your chosen social media application. When you want real, honest communication have a real, honest conversation. Hear the tone and the inflections. No more confusion, no more being precious and getting hurt by things that were not meant for you directly or were taken out of context. Just honest to goodness conversation.

Sometimes it is not all about you. Sometimes it is just your perception.

Part 2 coming soon……