Social Media

I know that I always date myself with my old-fashioned ideas, values, and love of 70's music and television but I cannot help it!  Being social, used to mean actually talking to people, seeing their faces or at the very least hearing their voice on the telephone.  Our kids have been inundated with social media, email, the web and cell phones/texting since they were born!  I know this seems like a contradiction, because clearly I am using social media to get my messages out.  But let's be honest, there are good and bad ways to handle this media. And I love my soon to be daughter in law because she suggested the need for this particular message.

When "Mini Me" and "The Blonde" were in college, instant messaging was the big new thing.  My highly intelligent daughters would leave messages like "Going to class, be back at 4:00" or "Going to take a shower" or "Heading out to party!"  The implied message (at least in my mind) was "Rape or attack me, I am in the shower"  or "My room will be empty long enough for you to rob me".  A little mom-sense here pleas!

I argue with my children all the time that texting is a great tool, just not when you are driving!  It is also a tool to be used for quick messages, not in depth conversations with boyfriends.  It should be used for things like "Meet me at a restaurant at 5:00" or "Good luck on your test".  Deep conversations or discussions or arguments should not be done via texting.  You really need to see a person's facial expressions and body language.  They tell so much.  If you need to handle things by phone, for God's sake at least talk!  There is so much to hear in a person's voice!

There is so much personal information flashing daily on Facebook, Twitter, My Space, etc.  Do I really need to know that you went shopping for three hours and tried on 25 pairs of shoes!  Do I even know you?!  I lose my mind when I see personal information about the where you are and what you are doing.  Don't tell the world that you are on vacation or away from home!  Just put up that "ROB ME" sign!

And then there are the photos!  Oh Dear Lord!  If I see one more drunken bash, inappropriate outfit, bathing suit picture, beach picture, or kissing picture I might snap!!!!!  Am I the only one who understands that this stuff is out there forever?!  Do you not understand that potential bosses and even graduate programs in college check these things out.  What you post says a lot about you and often too much!!!  Portraying yourself as a "Slutapotamous" as my boys say, is not a good thing ladies.  I am sure there is a similar word that you girls can think up to describe the guys that seem to be so "full of themselves" on media pages.  I am drawing a blank. 

It isn't just the kids that do these things either. Adults, you are not off the hook.  I cannot tell you how many educators and other professionals use social media inappropriately.  Stop it!  Live your life for real and not through technology.  Social media is a great tool when used properly.  Adults, let's set the example.  Kids, prove that you are smarter than us.  And everyone, could we practice saying the key word here?  P-R-I