Hey Everyone,
I recently listened to a video entitled, "Bring Back Diaries!"
In it, the host presented several clips of people COMPLETELY OVERSHARING on social media. Some of the "stories" were so vile -- often dealing with bathroom/hygiene issues -- that I couldn't finish them, and had to skip through most of them just to listen to the host's commentary.
In it, she makes the case that if people want to share extremely personal information, they should go back to things like writing in a private diary (journaling,) instead of sharing it all over the internet.
But there is also the issue that many people are saying or making up shocking things to drive up views, with the hopes of monetary gain.
Now, I'm sure there have been many times I've shared too much in my posts, but I'm sure not going to start talking about the details of a trip to the bathroom while on a break between posts!
I do find it an interesting balance though, because I like hearing people's personal stories. I wouldn't quite be myself if I wasn't exposed to tales of real people sharing their very real lives. And I appreciate it when people share things such as their journey through cancer (it helps me learn how to try to help others with serious illnesses,) and a myriad of other life situations.
I also love hearing passionate people talk about their charity and missionary work, particularly the hardships and challenges they face (because I hate presentations that are all highlight reels.)
I know most Christians will quote the passage about not letting your left hand know what your right hand is doing (Matthew 6:3,4) so some say people should NEVER talk about their good deeds, but I've always seen this passage as a matter of motivation.
In the context around this passage, Jesus said that those who are seeking human approval are getting their reward (but not a heavenly one.)
So I've always thought that if someone doesn't have approval as a motive for sharing, but rather, education and bringing awareness, I am more than happy to listen. I find it to be great motivation for myself, along with informing me of new opportunities I might have otherwise never thought about.
But if it crosses the lines into preaching (talking down to the audience,) self-pity, or begging, I'm tuning out.
What are your thoughts about how much one should, or shouldn't share online (and maybe in general?)
Anyone of any status is welcome to answer, but I posted this here because I thought maybe more singles are exposed to oversharing (lonely people pouring their hearts out to us.) However, I could be completely wrong.
Whether you are married or single, I am interested in your thoughts about this topic!
* Do you ever find yourself watching, reading, or hearing something online and cringing over how much that person is sharing?
* What do you think are some basic guidelines for what can and cannot be shared?
* What kinds of things do you like to hear people share about -- and when does it become too much?
* What should people do if they feel a NEED to share, and praying alone isn't quenching it? (Should they just write in a journal, tell only closest friends, etc.?)
I'm thinking though that many people post online because of a need to share -- and a need for attention -- and this isn't met with prayer or a journal.
* Are there any healthy ways of meeting a need for attention through sharing?
* Have YOU ever wanted to start your own social media account? (Blog, YouTube channel, etc.?) If so, or if you have already, what are your own "rules" for what you do and do not share?
I recently listened to a video entitled, "Bring Back Diaries!"
In it, the host presented several clips of people COMPLETELY OVERSHARING on social media. Some of the "stories" were so vile -- often dealing with bathroom/hygiene issues -- that I couldn't finish them, and had to skip through most of them just to listen to the host's commentary.
In it, she makes the case that if people want to share extremely personal information, they should go back to things like writing in a private diary (journaling,) instead of sharing it all over the internet.
But there is also the issue that many people are saying or making up shocking things to drive up views, with the hopes of monetary gain.
Now, I'm sure there have been many times I've shared too much in my posts, but I'm sure not going to start talking about the details of a trip to the bathroom while on a break between posts!
I do find it an interesting balance though, because I like hearing people's personal stories. I wouldn't quite be myself if I wasn't exposed to tales of real people sharing their very real lives. And I appreciate it when people share things such as their journey through cancer (it helps me learn how to try to help others with serious illnesses,) and a myriad of other life situations.
I also love hearing passionate people talk about their charity and missionary work, particularly the hardships and challenges they face (because I hate presentations that are all highlight reels.)
I know most Christians will quote the passage about not letting your left hand know what your right hand is doing (Matthew 6:3,4) so some say people should NEVER talk about their good deeds, but I've always seen this passage as a matter of motivation.
In the context around this passage, Jesus said that those who are seeking human approval are getting their reward (but not a heavenly one.)
So I've always thought that if someone doesn't have approval as a motive for sharing, but rather, education and bringing awareness, I am more than happy to listen. I find it to be great motivation for myself, along with informing me of new opportunities I might have otherwise never thought about.
But if it crosses the lines into preaching (talking down to the audience,) self-pity, or begging, I'm tuning out.
What are your thoughts about how much one should, or shouldn't share online (and maybe in general?)
Anyone of any status is welcome to answer, but I posted this here because I thought maybe more singles are exposed to oversharing (lonely people pouring their hearts out to us.) However, I could be completely wrong.
Whether you are married or single, I am interested in your thoughts about this topic!
* Do you ever find yourself watching, reading, or hearing something online and cringing over how much that person is sharing?
* What do you think are some basic guidelines for what can and cannot be shared?
* What kinds of things do you like to hear people share about -- and when does it become too much?
* What should people do if they feel a NEED to share, and praying alone isn't quenching it? (Should they just write in a journal, tell only closest friends, etc.?)
I'm thinking though that many people post online because of a need to share -- and a need for attention -- and this isn't met with prayer or a journal.
* Are there any healthy ways of meeting a need for attention through sharing?
* Have YOU ever wanted to start your own social media account? (Blog, YouTube channel, etc.?) If so, or if you have already, what are your own "rules" for what you do and do not share?
