Therefore, it is imperative that we teach our youth about learning to stand up to cyberbullying, by talking to an adult. And, reaching out to people, if they feel they need help. We also need to teach them about learning to filter out the negative, and only let the positive into their digital spaces and lives. They need to learn that those who write those hate comments are often suffering from a problem themselves, and type deprecating comments, to make themselves feel better. The hate comments are not true and should not dictate or change us and our lives.
The truth is nobody is perfect. Perfection is unattainable. Perfection does not exist. Even those “influencers,” who pretend their lives are perfect when they are not. Everybody, including them, struggles with something. Whether it be financially, mentally, physically, and/or socially. But that is okay because that is what life is about, life is about being able to bounce back from your struggles and grow from them, learn from them, and not repeat them. It is our differences that make us, well, us! These differences make each one of us unique and beautiful, in our own way.
Beware of the traps. Do not allow yourself to get sucked into the negative side of the warp hole of social media. We should set intentions about our social media usage. This is when we should ask ourselves the question “Why? Why do I want to use social media?" Social media can be a great tool for communication between you and your relatives and friends, to share your passion with a global audience, or to advocate for a cause, if used the right way and time spent is limited.
If social media is used correctly, and reimagined so that it becomes a more positive and cultivating environment that informs and celebrates, rather than manipulates or spreads disinformation, and one that is focused on connecting people, not increasing profits, then the world could be a better place for all. We might see a decrease in teens suffering from depression and in suicide rates among teens and adults. Social media could finally be what it originally was intended to be, and that is, a positive and powerful tool for change. This change will take some time though. It will not happen instantaneously overnight. It will happen slowly but surely, over the next decade. And, this change begins with you, and with me!
So,