Just thinkin’………………..
I really enjoy Facebook. I enjoy , most of all, the contact with family and friends from years gone by, many that I had lost touch with over the years. Out-of-town phone calls were cost prohibitive in days gone by and the postal service was so slow that often the point of the letter was obsolete.
So , social media has given us a wonderful opportunity to re-connect.
AND , all of us have the option to delete or un-follow or eliminate anything , anytime !
But I am constantly disturbed ( and even shocked ) at some of the negative and nasty statements made regarding the many perks that we all enjoy. Somehow there has been a culture developed in our nation which makes two unrealistic assumptions : (1) that everything should be perfect, flawless , and (2) that we always pay too much.
Some examples of purely personal gripes are :
—–the cost of gas for our heating is too high
—–water doesn’t taste good
—–this elected official and that appointed official are making poor decisions
—–law enforcement officers are never where they need to be
—–had to wait too long in ER
—–power bill is outrageous
—–EMTs were slow responding .
I ask myself as I read some of the downright nasty remarks :
—–what if we had no gas to heat our homes , no power to turn our lights on , no law enforcement or emergency service to call when in need , no ER for a medical crisis , no citizens willing to meet the challenges of public service , no water provided ???????
Many concerns are legitimate. Those that address safety issues or utility problems or warnings about driving conditions or a verified threat in the community are valid and appreciated. But I am too often appalled at the complete lack of integrity and humanity and understanding of how things work when every petty gripe is voiced…..and then repeated and repeated.
I feel that negativity feeds on negativity, that too often there is something self-gratifying about feeling mistreated, and our amenities are taken for granted——-instead of being appreciated. Hence , the yelling and screaming on social media.
We all have friends who have given up Facebook because of these unkind ( and often untrue ) hateful remarks. And it is unfortunate that a few bad apples can ruin the bushel.
And , for the record, I know I’m PREACHING TO THE CHOIR ! All of you who have read and responded to my blogs over the years are fair and honest and private with your personal concerns, handling those with the right people at the right time ——which is how it should be. And I appreciate that.
Perhaps we can pass this along, hoping that one negative person at a time might think before typing !!!!
And as we start a new year, I want to give a shout-out to all of you who have read my blogs, commented either on the blog site , on my FB page , or by email , phone call , text , or in person. You have warmed my heart. And a special thank you to Shane and the CITIZEN LEADER for reaching out to me and publishing.
Writing became my therapy during the pandemic and Byron’s long and sad illness. It was a lifesaver ( at least a sanity saver ) , and you , my readers and responders , were a blessing indeed…………. THANK YOU ALL .
As I’ve said before : what comes up, comes out.
Enough said……………..
It is far too easy to vent on social media. Things are said to readily without the restraint that in-person contact can bring.
AMEN ! Thank you.
I am suspicious of social media now, mostly from an addiction perspective. It grabs our attention and holds on in a very dangerous way. Of course, the connecting with far away folks ends up losing out when we cut out social media altogether. A blog seems like a much better way to share our thoughts and receive others’ thoughts!
Well though out. And I do believe that social media is addictive. I find myself checking it out several times a day——-but then it’s a connection. As an ole Journalism major, I find it amusing that I think we have TOO much communication ! Hugs to Christina and Quinn. Loving you from Lavonia.