Everyone uses their own social media for what's important to them. Some, usually the more responsible group, posts things of a positive or humor driven nature. They want to share their life moments with the people in their sphere of influence. Even pass on the wisdom of themselves or someone else's wisdom that they understand and appreciate.
Then there is the group that just blurts out whatever they are doing and wherever they are. Sometimes appropriate and yet other times over the top! While they are somewhat immature they are still adults and know the difference between right and wrong.
The worst group I've seen yet communicates just how immature they are in life, regardless of age, with their usage of social media. They are the ones that have coined the new buzz phrase "cyber bulling". They're not just satisfied posting some negative comment about someone, they have to get their buddies to do the same thing. Or all delete someone because they were honest with one of them how they felt about one thing or two. Bullies are usually insecure people, male or female, that feel the need to lash out in anger to make themselves feel superior. When they have a poor case, they need the similar actions from other people to validate that they did the right thing. The friends of the bully do it because they aren't mature either. Then, and I love this part, they say they do it out of respect for the bully. Which is really so far from the truth. It's disrespectful to all, most of all themselves. If they had self respect they would stand up to their bully friend and tell him or her that it is wrong for them to even ask. It's disrespectful to the bully because the so called friend should be telling the bully it's wrong and just grow up. And of course it's disrespectful to the recipient of the negative behavior because they didn't do anything to the friend of the bully and usually nothing to the bully.
I have people from all of these categories on my friends list. The ones that post great positive stuff, the ones that vent what they need too and most certainly the last group. If you're wondering if I'm talking about you in the last group I probably am. The ones in the other two groups won't be offended by this article. The others, let me just say "shame on you". Growup and get a life worthwhile of saying you lived it with gusto and gave it your best. We are all capable of just that. It's a choice to be a bully or thug as the case may be. It's also a choice to be responsible and contribute something positive. Which choice will you make today?
Having said all of that I think social media is both. It's a Maturity Level Communication Tool. What's your maturity level?
