(Insert Title Here ...) Who Do You Think You Are?

What has social media created?

It has created a hunger for attention. A need to be recognized and have our egos fed. The constant feedback and acknowledgement from others, whether they are family, friends, or strangers. The desire to have our opinions heard and agreed with. 

Social media and technology forums gives average folks spaces to become instantly famous. It is a space to show off unique skills, whether it be cooking, dance, or artistic talents. It is a place to entertain with comedic skits, memes, make-up and hair tutorials, the videos of the not-so-random acts of kindness, or simply posting a beautiful face with the hopes of going viral. 

YouTube, Tik-Tok, Instagram, Twitter, Periscope, are just a few of the applications available today that allows regular people to share ideas, insights, hobbies, skills, and whatever they choose with the world. While these platforms have the potential to bring joy, laughter, and educate. There is also great potential for spreading untruths, igniting fear and anger, and a plethora of other negative emotions.  

Social media has created people that are overly-consumed with other's opinions about everything; including, themselves. It has created people who are fearful of being vulnerable and voicing their own opinions if they go against the norm. We have become covetous of other's seemingly carefree and perfect lifestyles and envious of their photoshopped beauty.

Here I am writing a blog about the dysfunction of such platforms. I am taking advantage of such platforms simply to hone in on my writing skills and perhaps express my views to myself or an audience of a few if I might be so fortunate. I created this blog because I do not care to be seen. I simply want to record little bits of my mind onto paper. 

Why do so many feel the need to be seen and heard without purpose? Why do many feel they have something to teach others without preparation? Why do folks value presentation and titles more than content knowledge, intentionality, and character? Sure, anyone can give themselves a title and create platforms to speak, but what is the motivation behind this? We want titles without the work and feel that others will follow us if we create names for ourselves using fake credentials and false wisdom. There are hundreds of so-called educational programs that will gladly accept your money in return for a degree or certificate. This is profane to true educational pathways. 

Is it acceptable for a person to call themselves an educator if they have not received adequate training? Can a person proclaim themselves to be a coach, mentor, preacher, artist, speaker, dancer, or writer without proving their validity through their work. Everyone has absolute freedom to enjoy participating in any and all of these activities; however, this does not give permission for anyone to attach labels to their names. 

I would much rather listen and learn from people that have powerful testimonies and are using their personal narratives to transform and empower other's lives, than those who enjoy standing on platforms simply for attention and personal gain. 

Please oh please, can we use social media to empower one another and for the greater good? It is not about me or you or him or her or them! It is about each and every one of us, all of us, everyone, everywhere.