In my personal life, I don’t have much of a social media presence. I only post on my Facebook wall about once a month. It’s either a picture of my baby or an article about babies. However, because of my blog, I’ve had to build up a separate social media presence – Sarah the blogger! While this made me really uncomfortable at first, I’ve come to enjoy it as I figure it out more.But regardless of whether I am posting on my personal Facebook page or my blog’s Instagram, I’ve come to ask myself the below four questions BEFORE posting on social media.
4 Questions I Ask Before Posting on Social Media
1.) What’s the point?
This question makes me uncomfortable. Why am I posting this?
Is it because I want to share something in my life I am so “humbled” or “blessed” by when really – I just want to brag?
Is it because I’m fishing for compliments?
I’m not proud of this but I’ve posted because of both reasons above. And you know what? No matter how many likes or comments I find I never get the validation I’m looking for
Now, I pause and ask myself again, “What’s the point?”.
However, this doesn’t mean we should never post good things in our lives. I enjoy posting photos of my baby girl, fun things I do with my husband, and special occasions. I love to look back on Facebook and remember these milestones.
I’m only talking about when it’s not coming from a place of actual excitement, but a place of insecurity. The times where I post something because I want to get “likes” to make myself feel good.
Now, when that urge strikes I stop and thank God for blessings in my life first. Usually, that is enough to “fill my cup” and I can go about my day. I’m sure I’ll still fail in this area again, but at least now I have a game plan!
2.) Does it add value?
This is my new motto for how I run my blog’s social media. If I put enough effort into it, I could post photos all day long making you think my life was always pretty and perfect. But what value does that add to anyone’s life? (Plus, it’s not true.)
Now when I post I try to think about what I can offer people. Can I offer a tip, encouragement, or make them laugh? Of course, this doesn’t always happen (hence my baby’s photos which you better like or….hehe) but I aim for it when possible.
3.) Is what I am posting true, noble, right, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy? (Philippians 4:8)
In the world of social media, we’re often quick to post “facts” before finding out if they are actually true. Feel first, think later! I admit when I see a post I disagree with my first response is to get upset. My much younger self might have even commented. But now, I usually do a good job of letting it go. In the words of the wise rapper Ice Cube, “You better check yo self before you wreck yo self.”
Added to that, just because something is true doesn’t always mean it’s “right” to post about. But admirable, lovely, excellent, and praiseworthy? These are topics we should all be able to get behind. Why do you think dog and baby videos are so popular?
Now, there are times that I DO feel it is necessary to speak up. It is not because I hope to change someone’s mind, but rather that I like to take a stand on issues that are important to me. You know the Abraham Lincoln quote, “All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing?” Well, sometimes all it takes for evil or wrong thoughts to take hold is for people to say nothing. Every now and then I like to speak up on issues that are important to me as a reminder that, “Hey – this is important. This is worth fighting for. No, they do not speak for all women/Christians/wives/moms. In fact, I believe differently.”
4.) Is it necessary?
I’m a very political person, but the last time I checked, I haven’t changed anyone’s mind by disagreeing with them on Facebook. Of course, we’re going to disagree with people. That’s the beauty of being our own person and having opinions. It’s not necessary to always make them known.
Like I said above, sometimes it IS necessary to speak up, but most times, it’s not. And if we stopped inciting each other on social media there would probably be fewer inflammatory posts to begin with.
And on that note I leave with this story from author and missionary Elisabeth Elliot:
One morning I received an article from a Christian magazine, written by a consulting physician at a well-known Christian clinic, entitled ‘Learning to Love Yourself.’ Ironically, in the same mail came a news magazine with its cover story, ‘The Curse of Self Esteem.’
I said ‘Well.” (That’s a byword from my sister-in-law’s family.) When they think it’s best not to say what they’re really thinking, but need to say something, they’ve found this useful. I said, ‘Well.’
Imagine a world where instead of putting our two cents in on every topic, we just said “well.” Better yet – if we just said it to ourselves and kept on scrolling.
Are there are questions you ask yourself before posting on social media? I”d love to know!
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Love this Sarah! I appreciate your thoughtful and intentional attitud towards social media!
Thank you so much, Skye!
Love this post a lot! With everything being shared on social media, it really helps to stop for a minute or so to ask yourself why you want that posted.
really helps!
I sometimes question posting when I’m not in a good mood. I honestly just sometimes don’t feel like people care and why would I spend my time posting if i’m the only one who cares! its hard sometimes.
Yah, I didn’t even think about that. Sometimes we do emotionally post
Sadly, not many people ask themselves even one of these questions. I’ve often found myself asking “WHY ARE THEY POSTING THIS” lol
haha!
This is such a great topic! I think it’s important to discuss especially in this age where everyone is on social media!!
EVERYONE!
I like all these questions before hitting the publish button. I stay out of political issues as arguing with someone never solved anything.
exactly
Such great questions to ask before posting online! It’s crazy how much time we can spend arguing online with someone we don’t know, who really has no connection to our life!
Great points! I think many of these ideas are great ways to live our lives in general before we “speak” via written or verbal expression! Thanks for this!
OOOh I love that!
Wow I’ve never thought of running social media posts through the Philippians 4:8 test. Great tip!
Well said, Sarah! A list that is Biblical and practical and wise!
I am so happy I have found your blog! I love your questions! I will definitely use these the next time I post to social media.
thank you, Katie!
So much wisdom here! Thanks for sharing.
I will both consider these questions myself in the future and do what I can to get this message out there. The world would be a better place for it!
God bless.
These are great tips! I always have random ideas pop into my head and I’m like, “Oh, I’ll post this on social media!” I used to constantly post song lyrics and I’m sure it was becoming really annoying to people, lol!
haha well that seems harmless!
Much like the Kermit sips tea meme; we use “well well well” like you use well. Lol except a lot of times we use a picture of a well
haha I haven’t seen that meme yet!
Hey Sarah,
You´re right, if we could stop and ask ourselves those questions I believe Social Media would be a much nicer and even inspirational place.
I´m glad you brought this subject to light!
Thank you, Carla!
I love this. It’s so smart to stop and ask yourself the questions that you mentioned…and really makes me want to think first and only share things that will be value and positivity to someone’s life!
Really great insight into questions we should ask ourselves prior to posting. It’s very easy to post for the wrong reasons sometimes.
I LOVE this!! You hit the nail on the head with this post – I really think it’s spot on… it certainly makes you think 🙂
Great post! If we all asked these questions, social media would be a much more beautiful place!
I love all of these!
So true! I took a social media detox and have started asking the same questions before I post. 🙂 Way to be intentional!
Awesome! Same to you!
These are GREAT questions to ask yourself before posting anything online! Thank you so much for sharing this thought-provoking post!
Thank you, Ashleigh!