I didn’t grow up with Facebook. And I’m glad I’m not growing up as a kid in the age of Snapchat & Instagram.
(full disclosure: I did use MySpace a little bit when I was in a band…what…you didn’t know I played in a band? It was a super way to connect with my students on a whole different level)
When I was young, we talked to our friends between classes or at lunchtime or in class when the teacher let us talk. When we went home, we spent time with our brothers, sisters, and neighbors.
Today, social media has become such an integral part of life. But lately, every time I checked my Twitter feed I had 50 or more notifications. And it started feeling like a chore to open the app.
So I decided to spend 48 hours off social media. Here’s what I learned:
Lie: Kids today spend so much time today “talking” on social media that they often have little time for “real conversation.” Truth: Most of social media isn’t really that “social.” If you’re busy scrolling through social media looking for something funny, interesting, or beautiful, you’re not actually communicating with anyone. You’re just consuming. Try talking to the people around you more. And make eye contact.
Lie: Kids spend too much time on social media. Truth: Everyone spends too much time on social media. Parents, your kids need you. They need your love, encouragement, time, listening ear, support, admonishment, advice, friendship, and instruction. Soon enough they’ll be grown up and gone from your home…then you can sit around and scroll through memes and inspirational quotes guilt-free.
Lie: Social media needs you. Your followers need you. Truth: You survived without your followers…they can survive without you and your carefully selected photos/quotes/GIFs.
Lie: I’ll lose momentum for my “brand.” Truth: You are not a brand. You are a wonderful person. If you someday become popular enough to be a “brand” then prepare yourself for the inevitable downfall of your brand (ahem…MySpace…Blockbuster…Bugle Boy…)
…and here’s the biggest one for me…
Lie: I have to respond or reply to everyone that comments on my posts. I owe that to people. Truth: If I’m at a party and in a conversation with a few friends, and then walk away to get more chips, it would be really weird if I came back and said “can you please re-state everything you said while I was gone so I can respond to it all.” I have to understand that I don’t have to provide input on everything, and the world will go on without me (in fact, it went on without me for many years and did just fine).
So, will I continue to use social media? Definitely. As an educator I love the opportunity to meet new educators, find great ideas, share things I’m doing, and joining in great conversations that help me become a better teacher for my students.
And if I don’t reply your post, don’t be offended. I’ll try to get to it as soon as I can, because I really enjoy helping other educators!
