Most people rely on social media sites to get updates on their family, friends and news stories that might be of interest to them. However, it is still important to remember that the online world is a lot bigger than what we might imagine.
No matter the social network that you might turn to — be it Facebook, SnapChat, Twitter, Pinterest, or YouTube — it is important to remember to be a responsible online user.
Also, sometimes what a person posts online can have negative and long-term effects on their lives.
It takes only seconds to consider what you are posting before a person selects enter. There is a lot of good responsibility behind using the “THINK” form of posting, and considering: Is it True? Is it Helpful? Is it Inspiring? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind?
While there are some cases where being a strong voice can prove to be a beneficial case for social networking. There are many stories of people reporting bad service of a business, who then get a response from that business itself. Or they share stories of tragedy that has befallen a local family, where fundraising is needed to help someone in need.
Unfortunately, many people use social networking to post negative comments about other people, or their experiences with a business or a community group.
We have seen many cases of online bullying, where a person makes an anonymous comment about another person. These anonymous comments can be the hardest to deal with, since they are designed to make you feel alone and very vulnerable.
There are many people who get very passionate about their beliefs and the issues that are important to them on social networking sites — but they should remember that not everyone in their circle believes the same. Plus, it is not just your circle of friends or family who might see that post.
Once you post something online, it becomes an entity all of its own. It is almost alive in a way.
Also, when it comes to posting online, a person should consider using common sense and etiquette. There are many people who use social media to announce family news (a birth, a death, an engagement) without even considering the personal touch of a phone call to some family members.
It is also very important to remember that not everything that you read on social networking sites are necessarily true. One must be careful not to fall for “free” giveaways on a social networking site, just as they should be when something gets sent to their personal emails or from phone calls to their home.
There has been such a drive to the online world in the last couple of years. People now can receive and pay their bills online, they can connect with family who live in different communities, and they can work out of their office when the situation is necessary.
However, we must be cautious not to get trapped in the online world. We must remember to what is real and what is truly important in our own lives. And sometimes, take a break from the social networking, it might be more beneficial than your realize.
