Thirteen Things I Want My Daughters to Know about Social Media
1. Social media might be worth your time, but only a very small portion of it; set boundaries or you’ll miss out on the best things in life.
2. Social media is not free; be sure you understand what providers (and others) are taking from you and what it’s worth.
3. Social media is useful for connecting with people in other places who are like you in some way; this is good. But remember that real life is more about learning to live with and love people who are near you and different from you in many ways.
4. It is OK to present yourself in a positive light, so long as you are being truthful. You are under no obligation to bare your soul to the Internet.
5. Even the most “transparent” people only share online what they want to share; you are probably not seeing a complete picture of their character or life.
6. Social media has a way of making us feel small and insignificant . . . but you are so significant. Resist the comparison trap.
7. Never count on privacy on the Internet; only share what you’re willing for the world to know. In the future, someone upon whom you want to make a good impression will see what you post today.
8. Social media can create false guilt; remember that you are not personally responsible for correcting every social justice issue known to humanity. Discover your passion and then focus on it.
9. Social media can create anxiety, and you’re not even sure where it comes from. Remember who loves you and holds you in His hands.
10. Like most of our culture, social media encourages and rewards extrovertism; introverts are likely to find social media even less fulfilling than others. At the same time, social media levels the playing field a bit for introverts; communicate clearly and powerfully, and you can be heard.
11. Always be kind. Let your online life reflect that you are growing in faith, hope, and love, and the fruit of the Spirit.
12. Real life is always local; connect most with your family, friends, and neighbors. Talk more with the person who serves your coffee or hot chocolate than you do your average Facebook friend.
13. And finally, know that when you need me, you won’t look for me at kevinrscott.com. As long as I live, you’ll know where I live (hopefully it will be close) and how to get in touch with me, and I’ll be there for you any time of the day or night. That’s the difference between online and real life. Always invest more in the people with whom you truly share life.
See also: Girl-Daddy — What a Daughter Needs from Her Father
