In our world today, social media has become what too many live by. A generation has somehow learned that their greatest influence is through the eyes of media based on what is hot and trending. Their success is determined by the number of followers, “friends” and how many people have watched, viewed, or liked a post. The ultimate highlight is making a post or video go viral, catching the sights of millions of viewers. Unfortunately, sometimes, no expense is spared to reach this level of overnight success. But while every generation has its challenges with wanting to find the right formula to reach the right level of success, the greater challenge is what in the world are we as a society supporting or influencing to help them?
Years ago, previous generations were at a greater technological disadvantage. When we had what we considered great ideas, we too had to come up with innovative ways to get noticed. While each generation will make their mistake of doing crazy things they must learn from, normally their ideas would still have a purpose and coincide with a bigger plan. Today, with the advancement of technology, a gift to a brilliant generation, things seems to be getting out of control. While many are using this gift responsibly, some are not, and a few of us who are aiding to them squander this gift. Think of all the horrific videos and posts that have gone viral. The fights, the scams, videos of those arguing, gossiping, or spreading malicious rumors about others. What about those that have sent our young people to the hospital, jail, or even to their death like these ridiculous challenges they like to endure? The Tide Pod Challenge, The Cinnamon Challenge, and most recently the Ice Cream (licking) challenge.
What are we watering people?!
Years ago, this stuff would be reported in the news. We would discuss it to stop those involved and warn others. While some reading this may be saying, “well thanks to technology, we can do this much faster now.” My response is this, you are also giving them power and continuing to influence them by continuing to give them exactly what they want.
See for the person or needs the attention or desire to go viral, you have watered the seed. The video they created, the challenge they created, they are sitting back waiting and watching for the numbers to continue to climb, which they are. Then their expectations are exceeded when they hit national and international news like CNN and MSNBC. They are big-time now.
The key is taking the power back and making them use this gift of technology for good. Make them use it responsibly because just as we use to say, a picture is worth a thousand words, well words are also just as powerful.
The words we used before to spread a message to promote, advocate, warn, and stop something are just as powerful today to do the same.
The words we used before to influence, to teach, to mentor, to raise, to give hope, as just as powerful as they were before.
We must get back to planting seeds of true hope, power, and influence and understand the meaning of success, purpose, passion, and prosperity.
We must water and nurture the right seeds because if we do not, then we are the only ones to blame for raising a generation that we talk about the way we do.
So, the next time you see a video, a post, a pic or anything else that does not speak to the purpose of that person’s life, think to yourself before you continue to give life to it. Ask yourself, “Am I watering the purpose of this person’s life or helping to squander the seeds The Lord has given them for a greater harvest?”
The upcoming generations are our responsibilities, not our problems. Love them, nurture them, care for them, and help them to continue to grow to be who God has called them to be.
