Our children today have a great advantage to learn in new ways with the current technology available to them. The internet and all the various social media networks give them access to a universal library of information right at their fingertips. The social media platforms specifically provide for them a brand-new mode of self-expression. It is clear, especially to you parents out there, that these new forms of communication bring with them their gifts, but they also bring potential dangers and pitfalls. Indeed, it is challenging for us to know what they are actually doing, and what they may be exposing themselves to, at every moment. Yes, we hope to meet these challenges, and find a means to teach our children the best way to use these technologies to their benefit, while maintaining a necessary level of safety and practicality along the way. Let’s take a look.
Social Media – Advantages and Disadvantages
Before we consider what social media platforms can provide, I want to express my own viewpoint about these popular platforms. Personally, I don’t use these platforms for several reasons. First, I do not feel the need to constantly express my personal opinions to the entire world, especially not knowing who might be taking a look. Second, I don’t feel the need to have everybody know the very details of my life at all times. This is unnecessary for me. Third, I find it important to express myself and my work in a more private and secure manner, with the platform I am currently using. Self-expression has its purpose and value, but it can be accomplished in a more intimate and meaningful way. Having said this, the social media networks are the most popular means of communication today, especially with our younger generations. In terms of the internet and all its platforms, I think we can take advantage of the opportunity, by understanding how to use them properly. To all of you younger folks out there, and to the rest of us, by the way, the world does not need to know every detail of your life. If you want to share something of value, tell others and the world what you’re learning and what you have learned. Unfortunately, although the internet is a wonderful and useful tool, it is currently flooded with noise. It is used to give the many unimportant details of one’s life, a way to give an opinion on absolutely everything, and a means to attack and make others wrong in an impersonal and inappropriate manner. Rather than waste your time, and the time of others, why not share the beautiful things you are discovering about yourself and your life? It may be time to share how you are creating the changes the world requires. What would be the best way to improve our condition?
The Problem of Privacy
An important thing to consider is that the minds of our children are just beginning to develop. I think we can be honest as well and say that a human being is still a child through their twenties, at least! I don’t, therefore, believe it’s a good idea to share personal and private things about one’s life with the entire world until a greater self-understanding has been achieved. It should be clear to all of you parents out there that there are many who have nobody’s best interest in mind, and will take advantage of the vulnerable through misinformation, manipulation, and a presentation of a fearful, hateful view of reality. This warrants our most careful consideration and caution. If it is attention, help, and understanding you seek, it cannot and should not be found here. As parents, we must always exercise wise discrimination, while still supporting our children’s need for education and self-expression.
A Need for Physical, Human Interaction
No matter how convenient our children’s devices may be as a means to communicate, I find it unfortunate that they are not as likely to have actual physical interactions with others. Living in a “virtual” reality is premature and unnecessary at least, and at most, undesirable and damaging overall. Although we can talk with, and even see others in a virtual way, it is not the same thing as meeting and being with someone in reality. To “see” someone online is, of course, better than nothing, but a person’s real presence can only be felt and experienced in a physical way. The warmth and love of the human spirit is critical in a child’s development. Actual human interaction is essential in the education of every human being and must be encouraged. We must also fully support our children finding a group of others who have like mind and similar interests and goals. In this way, they will find common purpose, they will feel included, and they will discover they are not alone. Unfortunately, the internet and the social media platforms have become an escape and an addiction for our children. This is obviously unhealthy. There are no consequences on the internet. Our children need to learn about confrontation in a natural way, through physical interaction. They will thus be educated about honesty, accountability, and a much-needed compassion.
OK, you guys. Let’s spend less time gaming, less time using our social media for opinion expression, and move out into the world of real creative activity. It is here we will discover our true self. Let’s have an actual life experience first, and then given time for understanding, we can share it online if we feel it is necessary. This is how real motivation can be found.
All my love and support, be well