Social Network
Some time ago I joined one of those "social networks". Let me give you straight up what the definition of a social network is: a person's family, neighbors, and friends with whom they are socially involved. The key word here is "socially".
Funny thing about this network I belong to...you only see me the way I want you to see me. I choose the picture. I can show you what I've been up to IF I WANT. You only get to hear about the things I want to write about and when I want to tell you how I am feeling or what I am doing, I have complete control. Sad to say, I do not have to ever talk to you in person again unless I choose to meet you "in person"! Social?
I have always had a hard time meeting new people so this makes it very easy for me to develop a group of people that I could possibly become socially involved with. It plays right in to my need to be protective and secure. Maybe our culture has become so non-engaging that we have to play out our lives from behind the curtain, or a computer screen? This "you see only what I want you to see" mentality does protect us but we cannot grow without true relationships. Vulnerability is something that strengthens us. When I am able to be transparent, you see the real me and experience the genuine article, not some clever prose that I self-published with some creative thought. It's random, spontaneous and you see me for what I truly am.
I'm glad there are social networks. I love to see what everyone is up to...or so they say! Try putting the emphasis on "social" rather than network. You were created for fellowship, interaction and conversation. Gotta o update my status...today I'm climbing a tree in the rainforest...yeah right!
Funny thing about this network I belong to...you only see me the way I want you to see me. I choose the picture. I can show you what I've been up to IF I WANT. You only get to hear about the things I want to write about and when I want to tell you how I am feeling or what I am doing, I have complete control. Sad to say, I do not have to ever talk to you in person again unless I choose to meet you "in person"! Social?
I have always had a hard time meeting new people so this makes it very easy for me to develop a group of people that I could possibly become socially involved with. It plays right in to my need to be protective and secure. Maybe our culture has become so non-engaging that we have to play out our lives from behind the curtain, or a computer screen? This "you see only what I want you to see" mentality does protect us but we cannot grow without true relationships. Vulnerability is something that strengthens us. When I am able to be transparent, you see the real me and experience the genuine article, not some clever prose that I self-published with some creative thought. It's random, spontaneous and you see me for what I truly am.
I'm glad there are social networks. I love to see what everyone is up to...or so they say! Try putting the emphasis on "social" rather than network. You were created for fellowship, interaction and conversation. Gotta o update my status...today I'm climbing a tree in the rainforest...yeah right!
Comments