So along came social media… OK. I totally missed the MySpace thing. I wasn’t interested and what I saw of it didn’t draw me in at all. Like AT ALL.
Then came the Rattler RoundUp or the RRU as we affectionately call it and my social media presence was born. The RRU was the FAMU Alumni Networking site, and I joined on or around Valentine’s Day 2008. Ten years ago… Wow! I was immediately hooked! I found old friends and classmates whom I’d lost touch with over the years and found new friends along the way. The RRU was no joke. We laughed. We joked on each other. We dissected every big news story of the day…. If a celeb’s ex got a huge divorce and/or child support settlement, we were on it. I never knew how upset people could get over another person’s money! If there was a high profile murder in the news, we were on the case… I don’t know why we were never consulted by the authorities because we always had so many good leads. If there was any foolishness to discuss, the RRU crew was there. We even had a long thread casting who would play us in the RRU movie. I was to be played by Elise Neal. I made lifelong friends on the RRU. We’ll get to that more in depth later. Rest in peace, Trish… My high school also had an alumni site and I enjoyed reconnecting with and meeting new LeFlore High Rattlers, too.
Then we lost access to the RRU… Where would we land? Then along came FB. It was already around but not nearly as popular as now. Some like the aforementioned Trisha swore they’d never join but before long, we just about all migrated. Many have complaints about social media. It’s messy. It breaks up marriages. It’s a waste of time. Well I say it is what you make of it. I find social media to be a welcome addition to an already happy existence. I get to see my friends from all stages of my life, their families, their babies. I get to share in their celebrations that formerly I most likely wouldn’t have known of, and I get to have ‘decent conversation’ on the issues of the day.
I don’t argue. I don’t fuss. If things go too far left, conversation over. I don’t share my deepest and inner most thoughts and dreams, ie, ‘tell my business’. I network with friends and acquaintances in a positive way. I have connected with so many people who have been a positive addition to my life. I can hear ministers that I learn from and am inspired by on a daily basis which allows me to grow even more spiritually. I’m not trying to convert people to my way of thinking or living. If there’s someone whose posts bother me or grieve me in any way, there’s this awesome thing called unfollow! Use it. It will change your online life…I enjoy reading the insight and thoughts of my friends on current subjects or even past ones. You never know what you can learn from others. Or your previous beliefs can be cemented.
So Social Media is a positive to me. I go to it for humor, inspiration, the news, the word on the street and to enjoy communication with friends. I don’t go for affirmation, likes or attention. That way, I’m able to FB and IG peacefully! And how else could you guys know what Corwin is doing, what restaurant we went to for date night or what I cooked in my air fryer last week??? And if my little Social Media presence can bring a smile, a laugh, a feeling of inspiration or a bright spot to anyone’s day, that’s a big plus! Leave me a comment below and tell me your take on the Social Media phenomena.
I love this. It’s pretty spot on for how I feel too. There are times when I’ve seriously considered parting ways with it, but I have made so many awesome connections with people like you, Maria and Damali (and everyone else from RRU) that I’d be missing out.
I like you started my social media networking on the RRU. I am grateful for it. You don’t always get to have the kind of conversations with similar minded people that we had. Seeing everyone’s pics made me want to travel more and be a little more adventurous at the time. I left social media for a bit when I wanted to focus on myself and when I wanted more real life friendship, company and support.
You know…I do like social media. It definitely keeps me informed, but I do feel it has given light to an abundance of negative behavior. No, I don’t have fights down my timeline…actually my timeline is pretty “dry” at times, with exception of my favorites giving quotes, sermons, prayers, corny but hilarious jokes, & “for the moment” tax memes… It’s definitely all in how you view or use it. To keep peace, just keep scrolling.
Oh RRU, how do I miss thee? Let me count the ways. I’m so thankful for the FAMUly it gave me!
I totally agree, Co! I enjoy my social media outlets, but as your husband Marcelles put it, within moderation. I’ve had to scale back some. Even thought of a hiatus for a moment but I enjoy sharing about my children & students.
Absolutely THIS! Having gone to school in 3 different states BEFORE graduating high school I thought I’d never reconnect with old friends and acquaintances. This is exactly why I enjoy social media. Great post and so thoughtfully expressed!
“I find social media to be a welcome addition to an already happy existence.”
I could not have said it any better. You’re on the money, ma’am! Social media is a GREAT tool for those looking to connect and reconnect. Unfortunately, it seems many people also look to it for affirmation, validation, and love.
I think social media is good, in moderation. 🙂
I totally agree with your thoughts about social media. It is great to be able to see friends from the past and see their families and things they enjoy doing. I have unfollowed many people because I wanted positive things in my thread. I have succeeded. Great entry Co.
I’m forever grateful for the connections made from RRU. I’m still mad at Jamahl for casting Sherrie Shepherd to play me on RRU. Love you sis and thanks for allowing me to share in your virtual life.