Narcissism 

Last week, I posted a story about a stretch of time in my life.  My purpose was to emphasize the fact that bad beginnings do not necessitate bad endings.

I think that too many people feel that the trouble they are in is so bad, even inescapable.  I wanted people to read that God can make a way where there seems to be no way.

Many stories of victory start out as terrible circumstances.  Perhaps, when we share our stories of overcoming, we will inspire others to see past the present to a hopeful future.

My purposes will hopefully be realized.  The story was shared in various ways online.  FB shares from one outlet alone numbered more than 20,000 in just over 24 hours. My friend called me to tell me to look at it.

Friends on FB were mentioning that they knew me as a dear friend. It felt like a hug. But after a bunch of friends shared, it felt narcissistic. Social media can be a very narcissistic. Checking numbers of likes and shares, the occasional cryptic post that requires people delve into personal conversations and the notorious selfies would be completely unacceptable in any other setting.

Imagine, going to the mall or the office billing where you work or in school and behaving like that.  You would never walk among hundreds of people and say, “Look at me.  Do you like me? Do you think what I have to say is important enough to tell others about?”  It is very different than anything that people have experienced before.  Even movie stars had to work long and hard at being someone else to have fans years ago.

I wonder where this phenomenon will lead.

I wonder if future leaders will able to bear up under the scrutiny of social media.  I hope that people will think more and extrapolate and postulate and really consider policy and the near and far reaching implications.  It really concerns me that so many people accept the ideas of utilitarianism; a person’s value being determined by what they can do for others.   Also, the entitlement attitudes that are encouraged by the narcissism of social media.

For people who ponder the future, the outlook is as varied as every person’s imagination. The Scripture is clear about this: people will be lovers of themselves, boastful, proud, blasphemers and unruly.

For now, social media provides a tremendous platform for good or for bad. Hopefully, you and I can make a difference for good by providing uplifting, encouraging and constructive stories.  Of course, there will be the potential to become narcissistic for anyone.  Let us keep telling our stories for the good of those who will read them.  To God be the glory at all times.

What are your thoughts about using social media?