The aforementioned articles cite the need for approval...Looking for social comfort...Needing reassurance...It's a scream for a reply. In the 90's we didn't have Social Media, but we were quick to point out the kid in class who was constantly looking for attention. We didn't have a way to 'like' his behavior, so we probably just faciliated a path to him or her becoming an outcast. The irony rests in whether or not you're one of those people who clicks 'like' every time the hot girl posts a Selfie.
However, my concerns with Social Media extend far beyond Selfies. I'm baffled by how people who take an excessive amount of Selfies, who take pictures of their lunches, and who post their drama online, can't figure out why the Internet can't stand people who take an excessive amount of Selfies, who take pictures of their lunches, and who post their drama online. Follow me?
And then I met Reed. Reed was my server for lunch one day. Upon witnessing her take a Selfie at the bar, I took a snide jab when she returned to my table. She admitted it was childish and called it 'high school,' but it was what she said next that caught me off guard: "I'm just having a bad day and needed something to cheer me up."
Well, damn. That's hard to argue.
So here I sit...stuck in a dilemma. Now instead of instantly judging your Selfie, I first want to know why you took it. From there, the Internet can collectively judge you on different levels.
The ultimate truth is that each one of you probably has slightly different reasons for your pics. But let's not kid ourselves and say that attention isn't one of them. If you're on a fabulous hike or vacation and want to show your face with a scenic landscape in the background...is the world's reaction to that photo supposed to be different to one of just you in front of your bathroom sink with a duck face and flashing deuces? The answer to that riddle is yes, but the foundation for both pics is still the same: you wanted others to see it. That's approval. That's attention.
What people have yet to come to grips with is this: You will be judged on WHATEVER you post to your social media. You can't air your relationship drama or have daily political rants or be a constant Debbie Downer or post frequent pics of the drunken you, and expect people not to judge you on some level.
That begs the question: What does your Social Media say about you? Are you making people's lives better? Are your posts encourging and painting you in a motivated light? or are you putting up hourly posts that bring absolutely nothing (except drama, narrow opinions, and your bathroom sink) to the table? Or is everything online just up there so people notice and give you attention and a pat on the back? You'll have to answer that...because your friends already have.
Ulimately, I will put my PB&J sandwich up against your edamame and gourmet sandwich anyday of the week. I'm just not going to show everyone. But, if you're in a happy moment and need to post a picture...go with it. Happiness, innovation, and positive energy can be contagious, and if you're uplifting to at least one person, then maybe it's worth it. However, if you're at the gym: nobody cares, but hey, post that mirror Selfie like you own the next Olympics.
Happy Social Media-ing,
~Coach Jake
P.S. Ask me how Maximal Me Life Coaching can give your life the structure and change you need to boost your confidence to new heights.
