Will Shakespeare asks, "What do you read, my Lord?"
by
Susan Obijiski
Susan Obijiski
You
are reading this blog, so it is safe to assume that you are a regular
participant in the social media world. You are not alone. The world has
embraced the social media phenomenon as a means of communication and
sharing. As an author, I share my thoughts through my books, and comment
on life, purpose and the world, in hopes of connecting with kindred
spirits and offering hope and insight to my readers. I also maintain a
number of blogs (Common Sense, Legacy of Dreams,
etc). These blogs provide the opportunity to express myself, and to
focus on my interests and on writing. I can engage other authors and
aspiring writers, and share my interests and opinions with people who
browse blogs and participate in social media.
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It is true that social media, blogging and other internet
sharing provide value to the world, but that value does come at a price.
There are a number of things that concern me about the world of
blogging and social media, and I will share a few concerns with you
here.
First, I believe that those who come after the Millennial generation will suffer the consequences of being raised on social media. Already, we see the results of social media fever, in the form of arm's length socializing, poor social skills and shortened attention spans. Our children are less able to socialize face-to-face and less likely to get out there and exercise, or discover the world on their own terms. We play games online and even select prospective romantic partners. How many times have you gone out to dinner and watched the people at the next table texting or looking at their phones instead of talking to each other?
Then there's the problem of anonymity. We no longer have to face the people we talk to, so we can remain anonymous when we snipe at others and revel in character assassination. That anonymity has blossomed into intolerance for other people's opinions and polarized the world, rather than showing us our commonality.
Reading blogs, getting news online and browsing through social media sites also creates a crowd mentality that suppresses the natural human tendency to think for oneself. We read something and assume that the person expressing an opinion is an expert, or they have more information about the topic than we do, and therefore we should listen to that person. In many cases, that is a rash assumption!
Lastly, social media and blogging has accelerated the decline of grammar, spelling and good writing. We always seem to be in a hurry to express our opinion, so we don't bother to choose just the right word to describe how we feel. Our vocabulary is shrinking, and our spelling, punctuation, capitalization and grammar is appalling! That might not seem to be a big deal, but exposure to good writing and a good turn of phrase creates thought-provoking debate, and conversation. Eloquent writing and speech encourage independent thinking, and expression, and nurture the next generation of writers, artists, poets and thinkers.
So, get out there in the world and experience life for yourself, rather than seeing the world through the filter of social media. And, the next time you jump online, take the time to think about what you are reading, and form your own opinions. Then, think carefully about what you want to say, and express yourself with eloquence, maturity and respect. Blogging, social media and mass communication do not have to contribute to the downfall of civilization. Rather, these tools can be used to encourage intelligent thought, rumination and eloquence of expression!
Susan Obijiski is the author of the 'Legacy of Dreams' metaphysical, fiction book series, including, 'Dreams of the Many', and 'Dreams of the Few', as well as a contributing author for 'Sedona Awakenings'. She lives in beautiful Sedona, Arizona with her husband.
Introducing DREAMS OF THE FEW
the second instalment of Legacy of Dreams series
Renowned New York stage actor Brody Murphy must put aside his life and
career, and step into a dream world to rescue Casey Wheeler. After seven
years of sobriety, and a new life with his wife and son, Brody is faced
with the prospect of returning to the nightmare world he once escaped.
Once again, renowned
New York stage actor Brody Murphy must put aside his life and career, and step into
a dream world to rescue Casey Wheeler. After seven years of sobriety, and a new
life with his wife and son, Brody is faced with the prospect of returning to
the nightmare world he once escaped. But this time the stakes are even higher;
without Brody's help, Casey is likely to die.
This journey will be
the most challenging of Brody's life. No one can help him find Casey and return
the boy from the desolate landscape of the dream. While his friends and loved
ones attempt to support him from afar, Brody grapples with sobriety, repressed
memories, and a lifetime of fears and demons that threaten to sabotage Casey's
rescue and the very fabric of Brody's sanity.
Can Brody find Casey
before it is too late? Can Casey and Brody emerge from the nightmare, whole and
unbroken?
Dreams of the Few is a
story of friendship, love and devotion. It is a reminder that our purpose in
life is to learn, and that we learn best from our trials and challenges.
"Remember, it is
not the destination, but rather the journey that is the lesson and the
prize."
