11/15/2018
Previous | Next | Issues Home | Career Corner | Health | Personal Finance
I was being interviewed on a radio show in Boston last year and the question came up about dating and social media. Then, just a few minutes ago, I was preparing for my nightly meditation and I thought I would check Facebook real quick. I saw a post from a friend of mine thanking everyone for supporting her projects and her life. That got me wondering about the bigger picture. How social media is such a powerful tool that so many take for granted.
While being interviewed I spoke of the power of reach. That with technology comes great responsibility. When we post, we are connecting to the world. Our rants, worries, joys and frustrations are a beacon for a response. It really should come as no surprise that when you post a seductive picture, for example, you will get attention. Some may be positive reinforcement, while others may be downright cruel. That when you post a request for prayers, you instantly get that support. Or, when you post about a bad day, you often find uplifting words and a feeling that you're not alone. What we post becomes our path.
I have told this story before about a young man who applied for a job and I did his interview. He presented very well. Then he left and I did a quick social media search. I found post after post of him bashing his current employer. I had to wonder what would happen if I hired him and he didn't work out. What would he be saying about my company? I called him in the next day and did not offer him the job. I was honest and told him why, and he said he understood. What I found interesting is, from that point on, I would check in on him from time to time and he never posted negative about his employer again. It was a teaching moment and lesson learned.
If you were to ask your social media friends to describe you based off of your posts, what would they say? Have you ever had consequences from your posts like the gentleman I could not hire? If you were to go back and look at my last 50 posts, what would you think you know about me? Because that is our reality. Yes, we are more than our posts. But our posts give great insight to who we really are. They also act as an affirmation. If you post over and over again about all that is wrong in your life, you have only magnified your problems. On the other hand, when you post about your struggle and how you're not giving up, you are empowering and paving your path.
Social media. Blessing or curse? Or is it a little bit of both? What we type is equally important as the words we speak, and the thoughts we have. Your post become your path. And there will be times when your path becomes dark and uncomfortable. So, if you don't like your path, or who is on it, change your post.
Source: Ezinearticles.com
Vance Larson has spent the last three decades working as counselor, coach and consultant on both the local and national level. He currently is in practice as a Life Coach and Hypnotherapist in Delaware and Maryland, but works with clients around the globe. In addition, he is a featured contributor to several well known blog sites and has appeared on numerous television and radio programs. For more information, please visit: https://www.marylandlifecoaching.com.
© 2018 Vance LarsonThe views and opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect those of College Central Network, Inc. or its affiliates. Reference to any company, organization, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by College Central Network, Inc., its affiliates or associated companies. The information provided is not intended to replace the advice or guidance of your legal, financial, or medical professional.