How do I interact on social media?
My 10 Personal Rules for Social Media Posting.
1. I always try to answer the question, “What do you want to be known for?” I am not a social-media warrior. I do not follow every thread of those with whom I may agree; nor do I comment on every position of disagreement.
2. I will speak to someone on social media in the way I would speak to them face-to-face. Social media tends to be parochial, insular, exclusionary, and frankly, inhospitable. I will speak with civility, straightforward conviction, and directness when folks may take issue with my online comments.
3. I am concerned with words which may be offensive or off-putting to others. I understand that people may misinterpret or misconstrue my words unintentionally or they may “read-into” my words what they want my words to mean. I have no control over the second sentence but I seek to be responsibly circumspect about the first sentence.
4. I am interested in universal wisdom, inviting others to think about a situation, setting, or circumstance from that perspective. I am the first to say that this approach does not always work. At times words cannot express a position someone takes.
5. I understand that social media is an AWFUL place for discussion or dialogue. I will put up with peoples’ opinions on my posts with some level of appreciation unless they use my page to “preach” or make assumptions about my thinking which are note true. But I LOVE it when people ask me honest, unobtrusive, serious, and probing questions.
6. If you “come after me” (as a white nationalist did here) or misrepresent my words (intentionally), or misinterpret my words (unintentionally) or disparage any person on my page I will respond (though I admit, I cannot track everything everyone says). It IS my page, after all (insert smiley face here). If anyone would like to carry on a dialogue on Facebook messenger I am glad to do so understanding I cannot fully or constantly respond to every query or concern. I have had wonderful engagements with folks both with whom I agree and disagree. I am glad for both. The experience can be more open there. I have had one person break the promise that what is said between us stays just between us. But I try to believe that if you are honestly asking I will be honestly open with you, believing you will keep the discussion between us.
7. If I post on another’s thread or page it is only ever to encourage and lift-up, with the end result of hopefully infusing joy into someone’s life. I “tag” people in posts if I think the post will somehow be beneficial to the person. I will not “tag” you in a post if you ask me not to (some do not like to be “tagged” and I get that). I will not “tag” you in a post as a back-handed critique thinking, “This person really needs to hear what I have to say about ___.” [If anyone thinks I’ve done that to them I will apologetically retract my post.] Personal relationship is MUCH more important to me than that we agree about the “third-rails” of human life: politics and religion.
8. I let people know what I have accomplished or written (while being sensitive about self-promotion) and will ALWAYS post pictures of our grandchildren (insert smiley face here).
9. I will always speak out and stand up for two beliefs: I am unapologetically pro-life and pro-freedom. The American Holocaust of abortion has killed 60 million babies, 60 million persons in the womb. And I have stood side-by-side with an atheist friend, defending him against attacks on his person and beliefs. Pro-life, pro-freedom, no matter what life, what freedom.
10. I am a perennial conservative Christian. #10 relates back to #1. I refuse to hide my beliefs at the same time I will not be strident about my beliefs.I, in good faith, try to abide by the Levitical call to love my neighbor and love God in all venues including social media.
I, in good conscience, try to live the universal principles of preservation – supporting the great and good ideas and ideals of the past and present – which is what I believe people do, who want to conserve what is best for humanity in a fallen world.
I have STRONG political beliefs. If you would like to hear them, I will gladly talk with you face-to-face. But politics is not what I want to be known for. I try to apply #4 above to get people to think about what they are saying or believing without calling out individuals. I may not always be successful in the endeavor, but I try.
I have STRONG social beliefs and may focus on them from time to time; but again, I am striven by #1 above.
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people in public university (1 minute video), hosts a weekly radio program with diverse groups of guests (1 minute video), and interprets culture from a Christian vantage point (1 minute video).
Picture Credit: Snappy Goat