Tuesday 15 November 2016

Parleyyou: Do we share too much information?

Parleyyou: Do we share too much information?: Recently I have been considering the impact of social media. In some ways there are many positives, friends have been reunited, sharing of ...

Monday 14 November 2016

Do we share too much information?

Recently I have been considering the impact of social media. In some ways there are many positives, friends have been reunited, sharing of information, open discussion across continents and social barriers. But at what cost?

Do we share too much information and in doing so does that give the recipient the right to comment, to pass on to others or to use this information in a negative manner?

If we look at the selfie, often not truly reflective of the individual through the magic of photo editing tools. What is the purpose - to make the individual feel good about themselves or for others to feel bad? The constant stream of photos on Instagram - look at my brilliant life - so much better than yours; dissatisfaction borne out of a misrepresentation of an alternative life is hard to deal with.

Facebook has introduced a live streaming application, apparently so we can all share our hidden talents with each other. What responsibility will Facebook taken when this app is used in a less innocent manner?

Should we limit the information we give about ourselves and particularly our children in order to protect them? Do we make ourselves vulnerable to those who may not wish us well?

I don't know what others think but I have had enough of images of people's lunches, not particularly interested in the gap between their thighs and certainly do not need to know the details of the row they had with other half and the insults that ensue.

This morbid fascination with the lives of others leaves little time for self-reflection. Instead of a jealous obsession about the haves and have mores, lets take time to make ourselves the best version of us that we can be. Let's make the world a better place by being thankful for what we have but in a quiet, grateful manner that does not need to be shared with the entire universe.

A life lived vicariously through others is no life at all.

I welcome your thoughts............................................



Monday 7 November 2016

Why don't we put ourselves first?

Is it a British thing? Recently I have noticed a trend in the people that I tend to interact with that they do not put themselves first. There is a reluctance to serve one's own needs to the detriment of personal happiness and satisfaction in life. Why?

Is it inherent in the culture of certain groups of people? Most of the people I have seen this trait in tend to be women - is that the nurturing aspect of our sex?

This is not about being assertive, as the people around me will speak up for themselves but there are times where they are reluctant to put their needs above the norms they believe exist whereby it is not right to do whatever they want and tend to stand in line waiting for their turn.

This manifest itself in going through the correct channels to try and achieve the needs of the individual and then the frustration felt when this procedure is ineffective and slow. So why bother? Why not just do what you need to do instead of subjecting yourself to the frustration of doing the right thing?

But then if all of us just did what we wanted then the chaos that would ensue would be unbearable so we stand in line and wait our turn, but now and again I think I will just break out and ignore the queue and put myself first for once!

I welcome your thoughts..............................................