The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing Part 1

In this episode we’re going to talk about Social Media. We’re going to do this over two episodes as there is SO much about this topic that we think needs to be fleshed out in order for us to do it just a little bit…wait, no..let me clarify that..this might have the possibility of moving the needle a lot! Uh oh, here we go, big-time strap in time this week, Stu… “Namaste, all of you beautifully, exotic cocktails… Comment on Facebook, email us, we want to more of these stories! THE SETUP: THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING. “Nothing vast enters the life of mortals without a curse.” — Sophocles The challenges are twofold: Content and interaction Addiction Mission statements: This is the intent. What is the actual reality? “Instantly media” instead of social media. Facebook: “Give People the Power to Build Community and Bring the World Closer Together” Twitter: “To give everyone the power to create and share ideas and information instantly without barriers.” Instagram: “To capture and share the world’s moments.” Snapchat: “We believe that reinventing the camera represents our greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate. Our products empower people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together." TikTok: “To inspire creativity and bring joy.” Social Media...Good, bad, the ugly. Taught us to not communicate well. Loss of social graces. Undermines a life of order, harmony, and peace. Less empathetic, breeds confusion and misinterpretation. Resulting in more negative than positive outcomes. We didn’t have the wisdom to incorporate it well into our lives. Not our innate, normal way to communicate. Hot trend is ephemeral content. Constantly chasing the squirrel. Politics, race and religion are ripe topics for abuse. The Triple Filter Test Truth, goodness, and usefulness are the foundation of Socrates’ triple filter test. Socrates thought that a person must ask themselves the following questions before they say anything: “Am I sure that what I am going to say is true?”, “Is what I’m going to say a good thing?”, and “Do I really need to say it and is it useful?” Truth, goodness, and usefulness are the foundation of Socrates’ triple filter test. However, it’s not easy to define the true, the good, and the necessary. Regarding the truth: Do I know for a fact that this information is true? Can I bet on it? Will I be able to prove it to anyone? Am I willing to compromise my reputation over this? Regarding the good: Does it benefit me or the other person? Will it make them or me a better person and evoke positive emotions? Will the situation of those involved improve? Regarding the necessary or useful: By knowing this message, will that person’s life or my life improve? Can that person take any practical action regarding this information or message? In what way does not knowing this information hurt or affect the other person? Let’s forego the common. Part 2 next week will offer some practical ways to navigate the social media universe. Mystic MacNugget: “A better understanding is worth the temporary discomfort. You got this…” -Mac