Your tweet isn’t going to change the world
Jul 25
Internet friends, we need to talk.
We need to realize something important about how we use social media. Now, I’m coming into this with full awareness of my own social media presence. I tweet, I Facebook, I blog- but hear me out, because this is important for all of us to understand:
We can not save the world with the internet.
Nobody, in the history of technology, has ever, ever, ever, had their mind changed about a political, ethical, or moral issue because of a clever tweet or profound status update. It’s never happened, and it never will. That’s not what the internet does.
Because, let’s be honest. What we’re doing- even this post you’re reading right now- it’s not real conversation. Conversation happens between two people, back and forth, exchanging ideas, opinions, information and experiences.
Social media is the technological equivalent of a street preacher.
The internet has provided all of us with a milk crate and a megaphone.
That’s not how lives get changed. That’s not how people get affected. Standing on a platform, whether physical or technological, and shouting your thoughts isn’t going to persuade anyone of anything.
But you know what does work?
Personal, physical, human interaction combined with time, love, and humility.
It’s easy to sit at a keyboard and throw your opinions at the world because there’s no obligation to consider a different perspective. But it’s effective to sit across the table from another person and say, “Here’s what I think-now what about you?”
Yes. This.
Now, I’m going to get off of social media and spend a little time with my mom and daughter and a little less time tweeting my opinions to a bunch of people who really don’t care.
That sounds like a great time.
Dude…this is awesome! I’ve been thinking this for a long time, but you summed it up with words perfectly. Thanks!
This post did not change my mind.
Ricky for Prez!
“He doesn’t kick puppies.”
Yes he does- I’ve seen it!
blasting a random quote on twitter isn’t the greatest use of the technology, but I’ve had plenty of meaningful conversations on twitter and have shared useful information with people who i’ve developed online relationships with…it might be more difficult, but i still think it can be useful if used properly
Yessss. I likey de post. Tweetering is easy… but the long-haul relationships which include; forgiveness, sacrifice, and others looking at my faults too aren’t so much.
Yay for an ouchy reminder to start my day.
You hit the nail on the head with this post Jared, I couldn’t agree more. However, since my good friend who I would love to sit down across the table with over a cup of coffee, lives several hours away in Jasper, Texas I have to be content with my daily posts of a thought and a prayer on social media.
I am, however, understanding of his family, work and responsibilities with his job as pastor so I can’t say a whole lot about not seeing him to have a cup of java because I can’t seem to get from Marshall to Jasper to visit him either.
The thought is there however and I still would like for us to get together and have lunch or something one day.
Thanks,
Ed
Ps: in case you missed the point – it is you I am talking about.
this is wrong, you obviously don’t read my tweets.
Tyler Tarver
Freaking World Changer
I read every one of your tweets. They were the inspiration for this post.