Editor,
Most of the people I know are not unduly influenced by social media — specifically, Facebook. There are many advantages to this way of communication, and to me they outweigh the disadvantages. I control what comes into my feed, in much the same way as I only allow clean food and water into my body.
On Facebook, you get what you like. If you give a thumbs up to people’s posts, news stories, or other things, you will get more of the same. If you join groups of like-minded folks, you will get content fed to you similar to that which you have chosen.
If someone is posting things on their wall which you are not interested in reading, even though it is coming into your feed because you are their friend, it doesn’t necessarily have to be there. You don’t have to “unfriend” them; you can “unfollow” them and still go to their page and see what they’re up to — at your choosing. That is the key here: you have control, if you are willing to take it.
I understand there are many situations I’m not addressing, such as young people who have lost self-esteem because of social media bullying and other heinous activity. But, please know that you need not be a victim of social media. We can make a difference, individually and collectively, in this world. Facebook is a good place to start!
Marsha Havens