I have read many blogs and articles regarding the perils of posting on Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter, etc…. While many of those articles/blogs have good insight, it seems to me that most of them tend to take a personal preference direction that really is not universally applicable. In other words, their suggestions are more of a personal preference or ideology than good old fashion common sense and wisdom. While I am fully aware that there are more than 9 Things You Should Ask Yourself Before Posting on Social Media, here are 9 things that would, and should, apply to anyone and everyone when posting.
**NOTE: Aside from #1, these are in no order of particular importance. Are you ready? Here goes:
#9. IS THIS POST INFLAMMATORY?
- Social media is never a good place to start arguments, even if the issue is worth taking a stand for. No one ever says, “I once believed (insert idea here), but after reading a Facebook post that bashed everything I believed in and basically said I was stupid for believing different from them, I changed my position and now I believe what they posted.” Can you see where I’m going here? It’s counter-productive. (Side note: There are times when you should address issues in a Christ-like way with people whom you know to be close friends/family when something inappropriate is posted that can damage their witness for Christ. This takes discernment.)
#8. AM I BEING 100% TRUTHFUL?
- No one likes a liar, not even on Facebook. Whether you are creating a “fake life” for the Social Media world to see, or telling “half-truths” (which are really lies), you are only hurting yourself when you are not honest in a public setting like Social Media (or any other setting for that matter). People will lose respect for you. So, if you can’t be completely honest with a post, then it’s best not to post it. Additionally, sharing “news” without thoroughly fact-checking is the equivalent of bearing false witness (more affectionately known as lying).
#7. AM I DOING THIS TO GET ATTENTION?
- Cue the Drama Queens/Kings here. People REALLY dislike drama queens/kings. While there will always be a FEW people who play into the “poor me” postings, you may want to rethink why you are looking for that kind of attention in a public forum. I highly recommend building a few solid friendships in real life (in person) that you can share your personal issues with in private, and that will encourage you and pray for you.
#6. AM I POSTING THIS OUT OF FRUSTRATION OR ANGER?
- This one should suffice without explanation, but just in case someone is staring off into space wondering what I mean, let me explain. In all my years on planet earth I have NEVER met a person that has said, “I am so glad I reacted immediately when I was angry/frustrated. If I would have calmed down before reacting and thought about what I was about to say/do it would have certainly made things worse.” I’m sure you can sense the sarcasm, but the truth is that we should never post to Social Media out of anger or frustration. It never ends well.
#5. WILL THIS POST DISCREDIT ME IN ANY WAY?
- There once was a time when Social Media did not exist. Really. I am being serious. As the younger generation stares at this in astonishment, let me say that I am grateful my stupid decisions as a teenager and young adult did not have a worldwide platform to showcase my poor choices. We all have made dumb decisions in life. The question you have to ask yourself is whether or not the Social Media world needs to know about it. Because we all make mistakes, we have to be careful how we react to others’ mistakes. But, when you showcase your actions on Social Media, you can be assured that your actions will come back to haunt you later. Maybe at a job interview, or with a potential mate, or with those who look up to you. Is it really worth it? A rhetorical question.
#4. IS THIS REALLY THE IMAGE I WANT TO PORTRAY?
- Too often, in the heat of the moment things are posted to Social Media that seemed cute or funny or harmless at the time. However, when looking back at those posts we should ask just what type of person we have portrayed ourselves to be. If you really want to be respected, loved, appreciated, admired, etc…, then ask yourself whether your postings reflect the image of someone who should be respected, admired, etc. What do you want to be known for? Your physique? Your politics? Your love for Christ and people created in His image?
#3. WHAT DOES THIS PHOTO REFLECT ABOUT MY SELF WORTH?
- Whether it’s girls posting a seductive “duck lips” selfie, or guys posting a selfie in the mirror with their shirt off trying to look like a thug or an underwear model, the question still remains: Why do I feel the need to get this kind of attention? You are fearfully and wonderfully made by a loving God who has a great plan for you. By reducing your worth to being a Social Media sex object you are only hurting yourself. Your self worth should be in something far greater than some “likes” or comments on social media.
#2. IS THIS HURTING SOMEONE ELSE?
- Social Media is a public platform with the ability to cause tremendous pain in someone’s life. We have all seen some post that has went viral with thousands, if not millions of views. Think about the power that is at your fingertips every time you post something that could potentially be hurtful. What if it were posted about you? If you have an issue with someone, go resolve it like a mature person…in person. Also, even if you think something is funny, you need to ask yourself if posting/re-posting it could be hurtful to someone. If there is even a possibility it could be hurtful then refrain from posting it.
And the #1 question you should ask yourself before posting something on Social Media is:
#1. IS IT THE WISE THING TO DO?
One of the best books I have read this year is called “The Best Question Ever” by Andy Stanley. As many of you know, I am not an avid reader (although I need to be). I have to force myself to finish books, but this particular book struck a chord with me and revolutionized my decision-making process. In every decision we make we should be asking “Is this the wise thing to do?” And yes, this includes posting to Social Media. While a post may not inherently have anything wrong with it, you should be asking whether it has the potential to become a problem later on. While it may be true, you should be asking if it really needs to be said. Asking yourself whether or not it is wise to post something will not only keep you from unnecessary trouble or pain as a result of the post, but it will also help you keep your reputation and integrity intact.
Well, there you have it. You may have others, and I am sure there are more questions that could and should be asked. But, these are 9 essential questions that we ALL should be asking before hitting that “Post” or “Share” or “Tweet” button on our phones, Ipads, or computers.
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