I am sure there are positives in the in the use of social media platforms, but I struggle to find them. Supporters of social media cite being able to keep up with family members and friends, especially those who live far away.

During Covid isolation I am sure it was a blessing for a lot of people. Information can be accessed quickly. Paying bills and banking online can make life more convenient. Working jobs remotely can be a plus.

Okay. I will concede those positives for many. Beyond that I just don’t know.

We are becoming more and more isolated from those around us as social media has reached addiction levels for many.

One of my colleagues at Lipscomb doesn’t allow his students to use their mobile phones for 24 hours. Many are on the brink of desperation without that source of communication.

The Nashville Predators hockey team features fans on the big screen on the scoreboard for assorted reasons. Tuesday night they started an “Oblivious” segment showing people in the stands so absorbed with their mobile phones they don’t even know they are being filmed.

Sad. We are missing so much because we don’t focus on what is actually going on around us. We can’t talk to the person sitting beside us or across a table, but we can definitely check in and chat with someone 500 miles away.

I will be honest. I have a Facebook account, but I have seldom used it. I couldn’t give you my password if you offered me a million dollars. I do receive notices through email. Some I can access. Some I can’t.

So much of what is featured on various social media platforms is distorted. Not everyone is having a perfect life. Few people post about their failures or disappoints.

It is like those Christmas letters that have thankfully pretty much become a thing of the past where people used to tout the accomplishments of the family, especially their children, and the wonderful lives they all led during the year. No one included their DUI arrest or their child’s expulsion from school.

I text with friends and family, mostly out of convenience. But I really should be calling them and talking with them instead of typing out a short message.

Cyberbullying is an issue for many, mostly youngsters, and it sometimes results in tragic events. Thank goodness when I was in school there was no social media to contend with. In terms of addiction, it has been noted some users of social media can’t stop using it because they fear they will miss out on something. What they are missing out on is their life.

I don’t want to see a photo of what you are eating. I don’t need to see your vacation photos from your fabulous vacation. I don’t really have time to waste on those types of things, Live your life to the fullest. Don’t be so absorbed in the lives of others.