It’s not so much “government,” but “social media” that is the term we have for the things we do together.
One of the commonplace assumptions is that social media are detrimental and bad for us. And won’t somebody please think of the children?
Is it so bad, though? Maybe it’s more of a mixed bag, and whether it is good or bad depends on the individual user and how he or she makes use of the technology.
Sometimes the best way to test a common assumption is to try to figure out what it’s called, and then turn it on its head and search for evidence that supports the contrary assumption. In the recent throes of such a search, I decided there is evidence in favor of social media as a positive force, especially if you have sufficient positive real-life interactions with the people you engage with on and off social media. If you have a robust enough sense of positive self value and a good self image, social media probably isn’t going to damage you. And if you find it too boring and banal, or too time consuming to pursue, it is very likely that social media aren’t going to cause you to do anything self-destructive.
Here is an article from Psychology Today exploring the positive side of social media for young people.
But is the potential for benefit worth the potential for harm?
Just a quick note: Yesterday I heard from Pam’s parents, Bob and Janet. The doctors confirmed Janet has Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML). That’s the same cancer Pam had. Although it is not heritable. If you ask if I have an irrational fear my oldest will get it as well, yes. Rationally, I know it is random, he likely won’t.
Treatments have changed dramatically in 30 years. Today CML patients can easily live another 10-15 years (when Pam was diagnosed, 2-3, 5 years on the outside). Janet is on medicine for CML, but it hadn’t been approved before Pam died.
If you ask what I am thinking about, mostly reliving the parts of the Pam story which are most painful. But it will fade, I know that. A month ago a nephew announced a new baby is on the way. I had offered to share a story at Easter of my tormenting Pam with name suggestions. But as I re-read it it's really about our efforts not to let cancer dominate our lives. I'm debating whether to still share it or not.
So I am alright. But I have a busy day in front of me.
Peace,
Jay
I just finished the Remnant episode with Allen Guelzo regarding Lincoln and stuff. Good gravy, the gentleman's voice is soporific! It was interesting, though, and I enjoyed Mr. Guelzo's well-formed periods while imagining Jonah, bless his heart, gaping like a landed fish as he tried to find a way to get a word in.
I think the conversation supported my general view of the current situation, which is, "Yeah, whatever."