Sharing Your Thoughts On Social Media

I was having lunch with friends this weekend and the conversation naturally shifted to the inevitable– the state of our affairs in the United States right now.

We each conveyed our usual, I know can you believe what’s going on with the Supreme Court? What happens if Roe v Wade is overturned? Did you hear that Trump and Putin are finally meeting in public?

While we were each settled into silently contemplating our fate as a nation, one friend mused aloud, I have cut down how many things I share on Facebook. I am basically sharing things that all of my friends agree with anyway. I am not changing anyone’s mind. I don’t want to be that guy that keeps posting the same thing over and over.

I have felt this sentiment before, too. After Trump’s election, I was suddenly aware of the bubble that I had been living in. I have surrounded myself with people who generally think like me. My social media interactions are generally the same, as well.  And if we all basically have the same viewpoints, then is there is a point in sharing articles and opinions to a crowd that already believes what you believe?

The simple answer is yes.

Don’t stop sharing. Don’t stop posting. Don’t give up screaming into the ether that you are unhappy about important issues. Every time each of us puts those concerns out there is an opportunity for conversation. Furthermore, it a reminder for the rest of us to stay vigilant.

But here’s an idea that was brought up by this same friend after further discussion on the subject: before sharing an article on Facebook, emailing a forward, or re-Tweeting a Tweet, take some time to really think about the significance. Put your thoughts into words when you share the piece so that instead of just posting someone else’s opinion you are combining it with your own.

Invite discussion. Comment on other people’s who are doing the same.

Each time one of us expresses frustration with a policy, an appointment, or an action, it is like a light is being lit. All over the world, these lights are burning; they are catching and they spreading even if you don’t see it. But if we stop sharing our feelings than those lights will go out. And the world will go dark.

The best way we can all combat hate, terror, racism, bigotry, sexism, and the myriad of injustices that are happening all across this country– is to keep our voices heard.

Even your voice is different from mine; if you sing a different tune or hum a harmony that I don’t know– I want to hear you.

Your opinions matter. They will challenge me to keep thinking, to consider more options.

Be intelligent. Do your research. And most importantly– keep the conversation going.