A growing number of authorities on the subject liken social media to a form of addiction:[1]
· The user can’t control his intake
· The addiction begins to rob his time and other talents
· The addiction influences his mind and how he perceives the world around him
These comparisons are so valid that I am not sure there is anyone thinking about it who does not see it as an addiction.
Like any addiction, the addict becomes impaired by its use and no longer responds to real-life events in the rational manner they might otherwise without the influence of their “drug of choice.” They say things they almost certainly would not say in person, certainly not in a very public place.[2]
If those in contact with them will keep this in mind, it may help them to react differently toward their social media appearances.
1. Do not be an enabler
In this case, enablement would be to react in kind. They have posted or commented to a post in a way no rational person would had they not been under the influence. Do not reply in a manner that is equally irrational. It might be best to not reply at all.
2. Remember them as they are without the influence
Almost certainly the reason you see their posts and comments is that you have a previous relationship with them. You know them outside of the circle of social media. It is likely why it upsets you so much when you see them under the influence. They matter to you.[3] Allow your care for them to see passed their addictive behavior.
3. Provide a positive atmosphere
Give them a resource that is not so addictive. Provide for them something to see, to read, and to respond to that is likely not to elicit an addictive response.
4. Pray for and love them
That, after all, is the command of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Marvin McKenzie
In the fields
[1] https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=social+media+addiction&hl=en&as_sdt=0&as_vis=1&oi=scholart, accessed 8-29-20
[2] The vast majority of social media users have no concept of exactly how very public social media really is.
[3] Or else mattered.
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