Listening in the Age of Social Media
Never in the history of mankind has it been easier to communicate with one another. We can instantly message people across the world. We carry access to other people with us constantly. We can contact people we have not seen since high school or keep contact with those we have just met. A host of social media platforms await our attention that connect us with our friends and acquaintances while filling our newsfeeds with the events of the day. The lure of instant communication and for immediate venting of our thoughts and feelings is powerful and somewhat addictive. Facebook greets us with “What’s on your mind?” and an option to react or comment to everything we see.
At its inception, social media was thrilling as we caught up on the lives of old and new friends and shared the highlights of everyday life. After a decade or so, however, the proverbial bloom is falling off this lily. The use of social media has become a regular source of anxiety for many people. Research says we have dropped the average person’s attention span from 12 seconds to 8 seconds, which is lower than a goldfish’s at 9 seconds. (How they researched that is fun to imagine!) People frequently say that they are fed up with social media and all the negativity but unplugging from it often creates a disconnect from too many relationships. What are we to do to have peace of mind but not feel disconnected from valued relationships? Why do so many people feel fed up with what they found so much enjoyment in previously?
Perhaps one answer is that no one is listening. Yes, we can read the opinions of others. We are encouraged to give our opinions on every subject imaginable. But are we listening? Are others listening? Listening is not encouraged but has the power to transform one-sided venting into conversations. Trying to understand where others are coming from before we respond might just make our interactions more positive.
It is easy to get caught up in emotional responses to things we feel passionately about. It is easy to vent frustrations on our keyboards. Reflecting Christ’s love in the age of social media means thinking about what others might find hurtful under the surface. Listening for what might be motivating a comment we object to could open our eyes to new perspectives. Perhaps we don’t need to respond or rebuke; maybe we can just listen and let things go. Respect, kindness, and love need to be evident in our online presence as well as our physical presence. In those circumstances where there is only shouting at one another, we have an opportunity to be Christlike in our communication and to back away from escalation. We can listen with an understanding heart and still remain bold in standing for God’s truth when necessary. And, in the event we feel emotionally drained from the negative exchanges that happen all too often, we can take some time away from social media. The happiness and peace we allow to enter our lives away from the keyboard may be the best stay-cation imaginable!