General
How Many "Likes" Did You Get?
For 70–80 percent of people today, social media is very important. “How many ‘likes’ did my post get today? How many people commented? How many people viewed it?” These questions have become very important to some people. They plan their lives based on the “likes” they receive, feel happy or unhappy as a result, and let that guide their behavior. The number of “likes” their posts receive is extremely important.
People gauge the value others place on them based on whether their posts are liked or not, and whether they’re followed or not. They even go so far as to “stalk” the people they’re interested in to get to know them better. And they don’t just do this in their personal lives. Now, even in the workplace, people try to get to know the people they’ll be working with by “stalking” them. We’re deciphering everything about each other—our worldviews, preferences, family lives, political views…—through social media.
Understand the Parameters Well
Social media has become a platform that changes our habits, shapes our lives, and defines who we are. Do you realize what that means? It means there’s now a new and very popular way to get to know one another or to express ourselves. How you choose to use social media in this sense is up to you. But we need to learn how to use it correctly to create our ideal lives. I’m not saying you should pretend to be someone you’re not. Nor am I saying you should lay everything out in the open. The ideal approach is to know what aspects of yourself to share—and how much—with others.
Unlike face-to-face communication, make sure you fully understand the dynamics of social media communication. On social media, anyone—whether you want them to or not—can reach you. Be aware of this. If you want only the people you choose to follow you and get to know you, make your accounts private. Share content that allows people to see only your outward appearance, not your inner world.
"I Don't Care" Mode
A person in “I don’t care” mode is self-aware enough to understand the role social media plays in their life and how they should use it. They use social media without getting carried away, knowing what to share and what not to share with others. When you’re in “I don’t care” mode, you know your limits. You share content that best suits your social standing.
If you’re a teacher, you’ll share content that inspires and sets an example for your students, colleagues, parents, and school administrators. When you’re in “I don’t care” mode, you’ll post content that’s appropriate for your responsibilities. That way, you won’t be overwhelmed by social media.