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Annette Kristynik's avatar

I resonate with what you’ve shared about an examined life. But I’m not fond of mirrors and dislike my photo taken. So on social media I prefer to read, study, and gain insight rather than share from my personal life. I write in a journal. I love deep questions like those that require heavy thinking. I’m always in a Bible study. I juggle reading several books at a time. And I read a diverse genre. I have a couple of friends who laugh at me because they think I ask deep questions. I just smile.

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Charity Singleton Craig's avatar

I like deep questions too … and all of these other things you’ve mentioned. I think these are the kinds of activities that can minimize the influence of social media in our lives.

I think it’s interesting how your dislike of having your photo taken has translated into a dislike of sharing about yourself. Are there any places/situations where you feel really comfortable sharing about yourself?

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Annette Kristynik's avatar

I'm in BSF and a Children's Leader. We have a Leader's meeting every week where we discuss the questions for that week. I enjoy the discussion time. I enjoy being in BSF. I enjoy sharing with a group or a single person if I know them. If I don't know the people, then that seems odd to share. However, I have a blog where I write reviews. Sometimes in those reviews I share aspects of my life. So, I personalize some reviews because that book became personal to me.

Being on social media does not mean I'm going to share every area of my life because it seems like too much information for people who are almost strangers or who are strangers. Most of the people that I'm friends with on Facebook are acquaintances. At one time I knew who they were, but we did not have a true relationship. For example, people I went to school with over 40 years ago.

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Charity Singleton Craig's avatar

I think you are wise to consider what you are sharing and with whom. Social media seems to invite unfiltered sharing, which can be dangerous to our well-being.

Even while I share some very personal stuff here, I’m very deliberate about what and why I share. It feels very much like how I share with people in person, trying to add to a conversation or encourage someone. It has a context. That seems to be missing in a lot of social media interactions.

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Jen Baden Howard's avatar

SO excited to see a WR in my inbox! ❤️🎉 As ever, so much to reflect on afterwards! Your observation re public, “platform”-growing examinations, “we have the appearance of heightened self-awareness, but the reality of self-centered performance” ... oof! SO good. Prayers for wonderful family time together! 🙏🏻

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Charity Singleton Craig's avatar

I’m glad to be back, albeit intermittently. I find it disheartening how social media has sullied even our own efforts to be self-aware. I’m not always sure what to do about that. I think regular breaks and an awareness of its influence are a start. What do you think?

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Jen Baden Howard's avatar

Absolutely! And I JUST opened James K A Smith's latest Image newsletter, with some of his thoughts on Thomas Merton and humility and self-awareness which, somehow, seem to tie in with all of this. I'm not sure if this link will work: https://mailchi.mp/imagejournal/jamienewsletter-2022-september?e=accc15a981

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Charity Singleton Craig's avatar

I had that one in my inbox to read but it must have gotten moved. I need to go back and find it and read it. I also have his book on my wishlist too. Can’t wait to get it!

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Jen Baden Howard's avatar

PPS: I definitely have his upcoming book my Wishlist!

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