I agree, Andrew! Isn't it awesome to find Sean's message each day and learn how much he agrees with normal people who can think for themselves?!? And Andrew, your words always resonate with me and "rhyme" in sentiment with mine!
Life does happen offline. It happens in the company of other people as we attune to what they're saying, caring about others other than ourselves. This was such a wonderful synopsis of what's going on with social media--it's not real! When we forget how to interact with each other, when we care about what others think of us, and when we base our value on "likes", we've diminished who God has made us to be. That's unacceptable. Thanks for the eye-opener, Sean.
I started SM when my son’s twins were born and in the NICU for the first two months of their lives. Then they came home and my daughter had her third baby. I posted pictures for my parents to see. I left my FB account open on their computer to make it easier for them. Then I found it easier to document all things than actually scrapbook. Now I write devotions to share in hopes to encourage and point any reader to Christ. But I do find I spend too much time scrolling and maybe that is because I am simply lonely. So, for now, I am going to put this phone down and go have lunch with some friends.
You make strong and valid points, but there's one thing you don't seem to appreciate. For many people, social media is their only means of expressing themselves and feeling included in society. You have your superb writing and musical talents and a gillion fans as a result. I know people who can barely express an opinion, but when they muster up the effort, it makes them feel good.
I am an anti-social media grouch. I think it may be one of the worst things ever foisted upon humanity. It might have been fun once, but now if one chooses to indulge it it, they often find themselves sucked into inanity, ugliness, boring comments and photos and UGH! I greatly prefer to visit with friends, to connect with new folks and to chat about the weather (as it's the only safe thing to talk about in our over-politicized world.). Those Spanish teens have it figured out very well. May Americans follow suit and talk to one another, instead of posting anonymous insults of other people.
Have to say I quit scrolling through this one and watched some birds at my feeder. I may be old, but my curiosity is still young and nature is always more appealing than the internet. 😊
I read a lot on my phone, not scroll. But Substack had some real good reads but now I’m seeing a lot of scrollability there, too. Anyhoo. I just decided not to feel guilty if I scroll and I treat my likes as precious as gold. I was just at a conf and was too busy to even catch calls. And it was freeing for sure. And Facebook would wither on the vine if we just stopped liking stuff. So I have
Actually, Sean, to get this rolling,
I'll say that which is true.
I'm not really into scrolling;
I check the Internet for you,
'cause your heart resonates with mine,
saying what I can't think to say,
and in your words I find the rhyme
to lead me through another day.
I really am so glad we met,
even though we'll never meet.
You have backed up my soul's bet
that we will never see defeat
as long as there is one fine bloke
who lives the gracious words he spoke.
Andrew, I just want to say I love you brother!
YESSSSS, Andrew, yes!!!! 👏👏
A standing ovation here, Andrew!
I agree, Andrew! Isn't it awesome to find Sean's message each day and learn how much he agrees with normal people who can think for themselves?!? And Andrew, your words always resonate with me and "rhyme" in sentiment with mine!
Andrew, THIS is it !! Yes, yes, yes.
Andrew, thank you! Your poems make my day!
I hope you meet Sean soon and get one of his great big Bear Hugs!!
I love the comment from the teen, that life happens offline.
Or maybe life happens between the lions, when you go to the NYC public library.
Let the groans commence!
I happen to enjoy puns and cleverly placed similar-sounding words! Thank you, Andrew!
Life does happen offline. It happens in the company of other people as we attune to what they're saying, caring about others other than ourselves. This was such a wonderful synopsis of what's going on with social media--it's not real! When we forget how to interact with each other, when we care about what others think of us, and when we base our value on "likes", we've diminished who God has made us to be. That's unacceptable. Thanks for the eye-opener, Sean.
I started SM when my son’s twins were born and in the NICU for the first two months of their lives. Then they came home and my daughter had her third baby. I posted pictures for my parents to see. I left my FB account open on their computer to make it easier for them. Then I found it easier to document all things than actually scrapbook. Now I write devotions to share in hopes to encourage and point any reader to Christ. But I do find I spend too much time scrolling and maybe that is because I am simply lonely. So, for now, I am going to put this phone down and go have lunch with some friends.
A much better use of your time. I’m sure your friends were blessed by your company.
We try to get together every 2-3 weeks. It was a sweet time. I used to be so busy but things change - don’t they?
You make strong and valid points, but there's one thing you don't seem to appreciate. For many people, social media is their only means of expressing themselves and feeling included in society. You have your superb writing and musical talents and a gillion fans as a result. I know people who can barely express an opinion, but when they muster up the effort, it makes them feel good.
The pendulum is swinging the other way now? Glad you are back my friend. We missed you and love you.
I love how you use humor to come to important life lessons.
How things change. Now “the old people” are addicted to social media and their cell phones.
👍
Amen!
What amazing and wise words from the teenager and thank you for sharing my dear friend 🙏
100% Sean!! Truth! Thank you for this piece. I’m so glad you’re still sharing your wisdom and talents with us! ♥️
I am an anti-social media grouch. I think it may be one of the worst things ever foisted upon humanity. It might have been fun once, but now if one chooses to indulge it it, they often find themselves sucked into inanity, ugliness, boring comments and photos and UGH! I greatly prefer to visit with friends, to connect with new folks and to chat about the weather (as it's the only safe thing to talk about in our over-politicized world.). Those Spanish teens have it figured out very well. May Americans follow suit and talk to one another, instead of posting anonymous insults of other people.
You said it, MAM!
Thanks. It's exactly the way I feel about social media. It's a scourge to humanity!
Have to say I quit scrolling through this one and watched some birds at my feeder. I may be old, but my curiosity is still young and nature is always more appealing than the internet. 😊
I read a lot on my phone, not scroll. But Substack had some real good reads but now I’m seeing a lot of scrollability there, too. Anyhoo. I just decided not to feel guilty if I scroll and I treat my likes as precious as gold. I was just at a conf and was too busy to even catch calls. And it was freeing for sure. And Facebook would wither on the vine if we just stopped liking stuff. So I have
This column was longer than you usual...but worth it.
I think there was a message in that length! 🤔