by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
Let’s face it, social media takes a lot of hard knocks and
gathers a good bit of bad press.
I know I’m guilty of thinking only about the
drudgery of doing it, even as I acknowledge the necessity.
But just like almost
anything we have to do—or even love to do—there are good parts and bad
parts.
11 Things I Love About
Social Media
1. I can reach more people.
With the advent of the internet and specifically social media, I can connect
with more people than I’d ever been able to in the past. It’s easy to overlook
about this advantage, but it’s something that should keep us pushing forward
when we get tired.
2. I can help others
without having to be in person or even on the telephone. I can offer
assistance through a comment, a prayer, a practical link, many of the ways I
could before, but without the barrier of location.
3. It gives me a wider
perspective. I live in the south, in the United States. Without the benefit
of social media, this would give me a fairly specific definition of what normal
looks like. But now I have friends and connections all over the country and
even the world. Those connections have broadened my horizons and influenced the
way I see things.
4. I can get my message
out faster. If I have something I want to share, I can do so almost
immediately—with little or no time-lag.
5. I can connect with
others regardless of location. I think we forget what a benefit this is. I
know it’s helped me reconnect with old friends, stay in touch with new ones,
and even develop relationships with people whom I might never have met in
person.
6. It makes me
deliberate about reaching out beyond my inner circle. Social media is a
world that grows with momentum. If I’m consistent and diligent about connecting
every week, my circle widens. If I don’t, it shrinks. This make me conscious of
the need to reach out. Since I’m an introvert, this is good for me. It’s also
an attitude that has bled over into my physical community.
7. I have learned to
clarify and shorten my message. There are good and bad things about living
in a world of soundbites. One of the good things is that it has forced me to
drill down to the core of who I am and how I want to present myself. This makes
my presence on social media more effective, but it also makes my in-person
presence better.
8. I have a new skill
set and it’s made me more confident. Doing social media well requires a big
jump in skills. By learning all these things, I’ve proven to myself that I’m
not too old—or stupid, or lazy, or ______—to grow as a person and as a writer.
9. It has made me more
respectful of others. I’d like to think I was already respectful, but I
know that wasn’t true in every area of my life. By watching the negative
behavior of others, it’s made me more mindful that I need to follow the golden
rule and treat others the way I’d like to be treated—online and off.
10.
11. I have found a new aspect of the ministry God has given me. Many of us feel that God has whispered a unique purpose for our lives to us. With the advent of social media, that purpose has deepened. Where once He could use me to reach a small group in my community, now He can use me to reach the world. Yes, I know God could reach the world through one insignificant person without social media, but I also know that He’s using it in a powerful way.
I know we could (and often do) go on and on about how social
media is a drag. But it isn’t it nice to spend a little time focusing instead
on how it’s a blessing? I’d love to know what you’ve found positive in your
time on social media. Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section
below.
And don’t forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie
TWEETABLES
Fall in Love with #SocialMedia - 11 Things to Love - from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
It’s not all bad— @EdieMelson shares 11 GOOD things about #socialmedia (Click to Tweet)
It’s not all bad— @EdieMelson shares 11 GOOD things about #socialmedia (Click to Tweet)
Thanks for reminding me of the wonderful benefits of social media. As a fellow introvert, my natural tendency is to resent 'doing' social media. you've turned it around so i can now pray to view it as a ministry! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYes, there is lots to love with social media despite the few (loud) trolls and bullies.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder, Edie!
I enjoy Facebook and Pinterest and LinkedIn. I have made great writing contacts through social media.
ReplyDeleteThese are great reminders of the benefits of social media. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThe GLOBAL community of authors / readers / writers / bloggers is like a great wonderful family!
ReplyDeleteThink of all the Christian preachers from around the world we can now hear. God divinely allowed creation of the digital world to spread the Gospel all over! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the positive outlook on this. I've never been one to dislike social media. It does keep us in touch with what other authors (and regular) people are doing, and it offers us struggling to write & publish peons, a chance to promote others.
ReplyDeleteFor all the aggravation on Facebook, it has reconnected me with friends and family that I would never have seen or heard from again, and to me, that's a definite positive. I remember when I hadn't been on FB long, I received a friend request from a classmate that I honestly thought had died! LOL! I may not agree with everything he posts online, but I can be a positive in a sea of negativity - and wish him a happy birthday! My new favorite, however, is Instagram - no pressure to do more than press that little heart! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to look at social media! We can become frustrated with and focus only on the negative things social media has brought with it or we can use it for God's glory. Thanks for the reminder, Edie.
ReplyDelete