Reality Or Realitrick?

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errmm... 

Shall we do this right please? 

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*Post picture on social media* #IwokeUpLikeThis #OOTD #YouCantsitWithUs #WCWForever abbl 

I think you are beginning to get my drift yeah? We would all agree that the world of social media is here to stay and it's use is growing at an alarming rate. Our generation is of the instant gratification and the pseudo-reality called the social network. I am of the opinion that social media is a powerful tool depending on how it is being used, although right now I think its causing more harm than good but I am not here to address that today.

I am going to pick on one that has since been bothering me for a while now and hopefully it is also bothering some other people out there (You know so I won't be alone).

It's the fact that people portray a pseudo-reality that is Instagram perfect, Pinterest worthy, Blogosphere acceptable and no one really cares about Facebook these days -___- As much as I have met really really amazing people online, I have also seen that most of their perfect lives do not even match up to their realities and this is not an exaggeration.

I know people naturally want to put their best foot forward, by doing that we try to come across as living the perfect, happy and all-fulfilling life when in reality perhaps things are not as rosy as they seem. It's rather unfortunate that the 'consumer' is somewhere in his/her real life day dreaming and comparing his/her self till he/she falls into some form of depression thinking he/she is 'missing' out on life

"Why am I not like this girl?''
"Gosh! her life is so perfect"
"She has it all together"
"OMG! Holiday in Dubai, me no holiday *rme*"

I know this is a real problem because I have been a victim and I've had people also testify to this. There is no guarantee that the next person will be real tomorrow or honest about their live but we owe it to ourselves to not let all of that rub off on us. 

I know it can be hard but we can also decide to not jump on the band wagon with the world but use social media in the positive light, no one is saying air your dirty linen, but we can encourage, network, build personal and business relationships and still be authentic as against painting a reality that is not, at the end of the day our motives matter alot. I think we should examine our motives before we post that tweet or post that picture or reply that comment to understand why we are doing what we are doing. Someone might say 'It's not that serious' but I know we can all agree that social media is no more child's play as we see people's life being transformed(for better or worse) through this platforms. Why not be part of the ones contributing to the better-community? 

And for some of us that are still swayed by the things we see/hear on social media - and this is not just about 'worldly' things - there are plenty so called motivational speakers, e-pastors etc that have principles that are not based on God's word but just look like it is and the Lord has warned us to beware of them and we 'blindly' taking in all forms of doctrines (1John 4:1). I encourage us;

• to be rooted and grounded in God's word so we are not easily swayed by anything and everything that we see on social media, 
• to guard our hearts with all diligence.
• to Surround your digital community with people that will build you up and not tear you down (Mentally, Spiritually, physically etc) not just anybody, You don't owe anyone an explanation if all they talk about doesn't suit you.
•  And if all else fails. log out, and immerse yourself in what will build you up till you learn to be guarded. Trust me, the world will not end and you will be better for it. 

I pray the Lord will help us to be positive influences with use of social media and to also be on the positive receiving end. 

What are your thoughts on the effects of social media?