Social media

Social media sites bring the thoughts of people we never used to hear from into view and sometimes it surprises me.

Among the shared pictures of children and families are bits of "wisdom," "inspiration," and comments that I find enlightening.  Not so much because of what they say, but because of the person who chose to share them.  I wonder what prompted this sharing.  What was it about this particular piece that made them want to attach their name to it and share with the world?  It is a fascinating look into their thought processes.

Then I look at all the sad little pictures of people trying to look "alluring" and "sexy," or engaged in "having a wildly fun time."  And I wonder why they are trying so hard to get this superficial momentary bit of fame?

I read the comments and the lack of adjectives and adverbs stands out like mud on a new clean carpet.  The shock value of the only word many people use has been totally lost by now.  It has become the vernacular of those with no access to more interesting and descriptive words.  Boring to the nth degree, it also categorizes the person using it.

I learn which causes are important to some people, who can present these things in rational and logical ways and which people are legitimately funny or entertaining.

Social media has become the billboard of the masses.  Anyone with access to a computer can now put themselves out there for all the world to see.  We are torn between trying to be honest by sharing our insecurities and thoughts and wanting to present a side of us that exists mostly in our minds.

We are all children, frighteningly needy and charmingly open . . .