Social media is one of those really controversial issues that isn’t going away. Nearly everyone uses some aspect of it. For example, according to DemandSage, Instagram has an astounding 2.35 billion users. I don’t consider myself one of them, and even though my friends keep sending posts to me, I seldom look at them. I’d much rather unplug and read an enjoyable book. I suppose people who are early adopters of new social media platforms are cooler than the rest of us. Then, many come on board due to FOMO. Finally, dinosaurs like me succumb to the pressure to jump on board or vocalize why they aren’t going to participate. Good old peer pressure.
I admit, some things on Instagram are humorous. A few are even meaningful. But a lot of it is neither. It all begs a host of questions – How would we approach life if we spent most or all of the time we now spend on social media, reading a good book instead? Would we reflect more? Find a greater sense of peace? Would we live more in the moment with longer attention spans? I’m wondering…
Many of my close friends think I am too serious. I probably am. In this context, there may be insight in the study done by noted theologian and author Tony Campolo. He interviewed a bunch of senior citizens who were at least 85 years old. He asked them to name three things they would do differently if they could live their life over again. One of the three was to reflect more. Good books help us do that. I’m not sure social media does.
Meanwhile, the pushback against social media by parents, educators, and heath care professionals is increasing. Will adolescents, the group most vulnerable to the negative impact of social media, eventually curb their use of it? I hope so, but only time will tell. In the meantime, if someone you know is looking for a healthier alternative, I’d like to introduce them to Flint Whitlock, my favorite WWII author. I highly recommend his books, including The Rock of Anzio, The Fighting First, If Chaos Reigns, and Given Up for Dead. He’s just a wonderful writer. It’s hard to put his books down once you start reading them.
What can one do while unplugged?… I spend several minutes each day in total silence. No cell phone, TV, Internet, podcast, or any other electronic device. The only sounds tolerated are birds, my dog barking at squirrels, or the peaceful sound of the trees swaying in the breeze. This is where I contemplate the world’s problems. Where I search for and find God’s voice. Where I realize it’s not about me. Really cool stuff, but perhaps a different kind of cool…
Ronald Reagan once said, “All great change in America begins at the dinner table.” Today, I think all great change begins in solitude, unplugged, away from noise and clutter. We can’t even begin to change what needs to be changed until we determine two important things. First, we must realize and accept that it’s not about us. Second, we must seek what God wants us to do and follow that calling.
The second thing these wise senior citizens said to Tony Campolo was that they wished they had taken more risks in their lives. The willingness to take a calculated risk hinges on one’s level of trust. Trust in one’s abilities and trust in other people involved. It’s not surprising today, that people have become more risk adverse as the level of trust in people and institutions continues to erode. Without risk takers, innovation doesn’t happen. Without risk, opportunities are squandered. It’s not a good thing.
The third thing mentioned was that they hoped to do something that would last beyond their lifetime. In short, an enduring legacy. I contend that everyone leaves a legacy whether they are intentional about it or not. Not all legacies are positive ones. Legacy contemplation is another worthwhile and natural thing to do in quiet solitude.