Five Simple Things I've Learned About Social Media

1)  Online relationships are not a suitable replacement for in person relationships. I know this is somewhat obvious but it seems that it may not be totally obvious to everyone.

2) Social media is neutral.

I have a friend who believes that social media is inherently bad. I disagree with his assessment. In my opinion social media is, basically, neutral. It is a communication tool. In that sense it is like a telephone, or a letter sent through the mail, or even a radio broadcast.

Is it possible for social media to be used in bad ways? Yes, of course it is.

But it is possible for social media to be used in good ways, too.

Is it possible for people to waste time on social media? Yes, of course it is. But people have been extraordinarily accomplished at wasting time loooooong before social media ever came along. Social media is not responsible for the fine art of time wasting.

(In high school, way before social media existed, I was an expert at wasting time.)

And it is possible for people to use social media in ways that optimize the use of their time, particularly when it comes to communicating a message.

3) If you are really angry and feel compelled to post something to express your angry feelings it would be wise to wait a few minutes. In some cases, it might even be wise to wait a day or two. Remember anything that is posted online can be retrieved again, even if it is deleted. Think about it like this: Don’t post anything you wouldn’t want every person you know (including those who are not online) to see, including your mother, your boss, your grandmother, your pastor/priest/clergy, your children, your grandchildren, the Nobel Prize Selection Committee… you get the point.

4) For some reason, many people seem to be willing to be more caustic, abrasive and mean-spirited online than they would typically be in a firsthand, personal encounter. It is best not to sink to this level.

5) It is easy to get fooled by content which is posted online. We have probably all seen examples of people re-posting—with righteous indignation—an article which verifies a point of view they espouse. They post with an attitude like this, “See? I told you people this was happening. This article substantiates what I’ve been saying all along!”

And then someone in the comments section points out that the piece is fictional. It is satire from a site like The Onion. Earlier today I heard a very smart man (a philosopher with two PhDs) talk about being fooled by content he had read online. Be cautious when it comes to online content. Whenever possible, check the source.

You’ve probably seen this line, it is a good reminder: “Everything you read on social media isn’t true.” – Abraham Lincoln

Dan Marler

The White House

Washington, DC

(Remember, it’s helpful to be cautious and verify what you’re reading.)

Being Discerning When It Comes To Polling Data

Every now and then I see “man-on-the-street” interviews in which random people at a mall or random people on a busy street are asked relatively simple, basic questions, about political issues or matters of American history.  These interviews reveal that many people are woefully uninformed when it comes to these matters.

So, when I see polls which tell how the American public feels about some slightly more complex issue I must admit I am skeptical regarding the value of such information.

If many average people cannot identify a picture of the Vice President of the United States or provide his name, what are we supposed to think when we encounter the results of a poll which tells us the opinion of the public regarding some type of policy initiative?  Are these poll results reflecting the opinions of, basically, the same folks who are unable to tell us whether or not Lincoln finished out his final term in office?

If some group seeks to influence us by reporting the results of a poll which claims to provide insight into the public opinion about a matter it would probably be wise for us to be careful and discerning when it comes to our interpretation of those poll results and their usefulness.

Having A Spirit Which Prizes Liberty

“Our defense is in the preservation of the spirit which prizes liberty as a heritage of all men, in all lands, everywhere. Destroy this spirit and you have planted the seeds of despotism around your own doors.” Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln believed there is a “spirit which prizes liberty” and, based on the quote above, he apparently understood that this spirit isn’t automatic.  It is something which must be intentionally preserved.

Long before I was ever born there were courageous people in this country who possessed this spirit which prizes liberty.  They spoke of liberty, wrote about it and argued eloquently for it.  Some of these folks even fought and sacrificed for it… and, thankfully, they continue to do so.

Liberty is a form of self-determination and freedom that carries with it responsibility.  I pray we will continue to accept that responsibility.  I pray we will make an effort to preserve the spirit which prizes liberty (and I include myself in that prayer).

Liberty is a big deal.  And I suspect it is possible for people not to appreciate how wonderful it is until they no longer have it. My heart is grateful for the liberty that has been an incredible part of my life experience in this remarkable country.  I hope yours is, too.

And I hope you have a safe and happy Independence Day!  God bless America.