We could conclude that all
the social media sites are just harmless, fun ways to share our lives with our
friends, families, acquaintances etc. However, if used inappropriately, it can
be problematic to our relationships; dating who are dating, married couples,
child and parent, our relationship with God etc. need protecting from the possible
pitfalls of social media. These are a few practical ways to avoid problems.
Keep an eye on the clock
There is such a thing as
using too much of your time doing social media activities. In this busy world,
between our careers, school, hobbies etc. our relationships suffer because
there is not enough time to spend with those we care about. Ironically, we don’t have this trouble of
finding the time to keep connected with everyone in the world, but if asked for
quality with our spouse, we often times use the “busy card” as an excuse. *As
such, we need to be careful and schedule an appropriate time for social media
activity and make more time for God, family and friends.
Airing Dirty Laundry is a NO-NO
It is inappropriate to post
any form of grievances that will cause embarrassment to those we love and care
about on social media. Sometimes even our posts about our significant others
that were intended to be humorous are not received as such by the readers,
because they don’t know the exact context to correctly determine if the update
is meant to be spiteful or just a joke. Furthermore, what you might consider a
joke may upset your loved ones. To those that are married, your marriage should
always be presented positively, be it offline or online if you chose to talk
about it in the social media.
Be Mindful of What you
Share
Getting our family and friends involved in our lives via social
media is easy and very fun. Because this is true, if we get carried away and
share too much intimate details about our lives, this might seem harmless and
innocent, but it is has huge potential to destroy that special intimacy needed
to preserve our relationships; marriage and otherwise. Social media don’t need
to know about every dinner date or weekend away at a hotel, and definitely not
about you wanting to kill your partner because of something s/he may have done,
etc. So, think carefully before you share.
Make the Rules Together
This simply means making sure you and your loved ones are on the
same page on social media etiquette. Determine together what personal
information can be shared. Before uploading pictures, make sure it is approved
by your partner first etc.
Exchange your passwords
Yes I said it, exchange your passwords. I personally believe
your spouse should know all your online passwords. It is a reflection of
commitment, openness, accountability and how much you trust your spouse with
the information. Additionally, it proves your interactions online are
appropriate; therefore, you are not hiding anything.
Ultimately, it is your responsibility to filter what you share
on social media. Your contacts only have the information you share. So share
information that won’t be a threat to your relationships.
Exchange passwords, REALLY???? whatever for? I can remember going to marriage counseling and being reminded to maintain some level of individualism even as you become one. One doesnt have to exchange passwords in order to maintain trust. In fact in my way of thinking, this sounds like a lack of trust. But hey, since I always say to each his/her own, then I guess if it works for you then go for it.
ReplyDeleteAiring Dirty Laundry is a NO-NO - I so agree with it and hate to see it.
ReplyDeleteWhy not share passwords Marvette? What does sharing of passwords have to do with individualism? As you said to each his own but after all you both are sharing each others bodies when it comes on to sexual activities. Isn't that more intimate that sharing passwords? .... As you said, to each his own.
ReplyDeleteWhy is social networking/exchanging passwords lumped with sexual activities? seriously what does one have to do with the other? It has to do with individualism for me since my password is as it says MY password and I don't see the necessity of sharing it with anyone else; whatever for???? Like I said, even in marriage counseling you are told that you are still your own person even after you become married.But yup, if that is what you want to do, then go for it, that is just not me; I have zero interest in a man's password and in giving him mine.
ReplyDelete