Do you think the internet is getting a bad rep?
I may be the first parent to take this position but seriously, in this crazy world we live in, the internet is actually making us more connected. Thank god for it!
On Facebook alone, I’ve been able to reconnect with childhood friends (love seeing their pics!), stay up to date with current friends, learn about local events and about what’s happening all over.
Yes, the internet, especially social media has its downsides. Doesn’t everything we love? We’ve all seen it cause people to feel more bold and say things they would never say to someone IN person. IN real life. That’s one of my biggest pet peeves about the internet. Second only to ALL of the daily does of horrible, heart-wrenching news that’s always out there. Some days, it can be too much for a mere mortal to take.
But for every person that has that feeling, and I think I’m included in this group, I’ve got a personal challenge for you.
What do you do with those negative posts?
How do you respond or don’t you?
I’m serious when I ask this. Do you engage with the post in some way?
Maybe you read it, internalize it and let the yuck wash over you for the rest of the day feeling like there’s nothing you can “do” about it. This stuff feels so BIG sometimes that it can make you feel really small.
Even though sometimes you might like to un-friend just about everyone, let me know if you can give this a try instead.
When you next see something that triggers those “this is why I hate the internet” feelings, post something good. Post something funny. Post something mundane that you are doing right then like folding laundry or booking your next vacation.
By posting something positive or giving a personal update of what you’re doing, you’re elevating your experience online and the experience of those that you’re connected with.
It gives you a great opportunity to be an agent of change. Like a ninja of niceness. Like that? 😉 You get to spread kindness, good vibes, laughs, and an authentic hello from you to the world. The world that wants to hear from the REAL you, by the way. 🙂
You become an positive influencer for your newsfeed and the news that your friends and acquaintances are getting.
Try it out and let me know if it makes you feel like you could finally “do” something to balance out the icky side of the internet. Do your friends and family respond with likes? Do they share your post like a friendly wave from across the parking lot at the mall?
I’d love to hear how embracing your inner Niceness Ninja works for you. Leave me a note in the comments to let me know.
With much love and gratitude,
Speak Your Mind