It started as a few drops.
Then it became a steady drip.
Now it has become a raging waterfall. Social media is pouring into every area of our lives, and if we’re not careful, our most valuable resource–time–will drown under its weight.
Here are nine questions everyone should ask themselves about their social media use:
9 Questions About Social Media
In the 99U’s new book, Tiny Buddha’s Lori Deschene offers some hard-hitting, well thought out questions we all should be asking ourselves:
- Is it necessary to share this? Will it add value to my life and for other people?
- Can I share this experience later so I can focus on living it now?
- Am I looking for validation? Is there something I could do to validate myself?
- Am I avoiding something I need to do instead of addressing why I don’t want to do it?
- Am I feeling bored? Is there something else I could do to feel more purposeful and engaged in my day?
- Am I feeling lonely? Have I created opportunities for meaningful connection in my day?
- Am I afraid of missing out? Is the gratification of giving in to that fear worth missing out on what’s in front of me?
- Am I overwhelming myself, trying to catchup? Can I let go of yesterday’s conversation and join today’s instead?
- Can I use this time to simply be instead of looking for something to do to fill it?
Dang. Several of these where like a kick to the face for me.
These questions can be asked for Twitter, Facebook, Instagram–you know them all.
Adding value to others and avoiding more important tasks are probably my two greatest weaknesses from this list.
How about you?
As Christians, I think it’s even more important we ask ourselves these kinds of questions. Time is our greatest resource and we should always be looking for ways to add value to others. Moreover, I think it could be easy to trick ourselves into thinking we’re doing something important–be it evangelism or humanitarian causes–by keeping busy with social media instead of keeping busy with organic, real world work.
[via 99u]
John Finkelde says
Should I change my title to 15 questions….
Just kidding!
Thought provoking & probably been guilty of them all.
Eric Dye says
You and me both!