Today's message, “Is social media another distraction from going inward?” So today, my children and I were exiting the Q train subway in Manhattan. We were in the clear glass elevator, headed up from the platform to the street, when I noticed a young woman barefoot, wearing only a black bikini thong posing for pictures next to the subway train. She was squatting with one leg perched in the open doorway of the train and one leg out.  And, no, she wasn’t wearing a mask – smiley face emoji. She had a photographer and others taking her picture. Whether these pictures were for social media or in promotion of a business or a product, etcetera, I am not really sure. I am also unsure why I included this information just now, as if advertising for a product is seen as better in our society than advertising oneself. If we swapped ‘advocating’ with ‘advertising’ that surely wouldn’t be the case. That is a deconstruct for another day. To be clear, I do think it is lovely that the woman is full of self-esteem, confidence and is doing her thing; it just was a bit shocking even for a Mom of two in New York City.

Perhaps, this is the ‘New York Comeback’ I’ve been reading about?

It’s important to note that the woman on the subway is representative of not only myself but so many of use throughout various parts of our life, wearing that thong bikini squatting on a subway car… I have this podcast after all. How different are we? Now, maybe it shows up in different ways, but it’s not secret we live in an attention seeking society, more glued to our false selves, our ego, than ever before. Our culture is obsessed with the outward. Instead of going inward, many of us go outward. Our culture is obsessed with the outward. And when our unmet emotional needs are showing up through attention seeking measures, only more unhappiness and dysfunction will arise as a result.

So what is the definition of attention seeking?  “Attention seeking is attempting to attract the attention of other people, typically by disruptive or excessively extrovert behavior.” Well that sounds like the definition for all of social media. What is the definition of social media? Quote, “websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking. “ That really should be appended with, ”In order to attract the attention of other people, typically by disruptive or excessively extrovert behavior.”

So I love the Olympics.  It just so happens, that the Olympic Opening Ceremonies for this summer’s Olympics is scheduled for July 23rd and I am looking so forward to it.  I really enjoy watching all of the  different countries line up and march in to celebrate their culture.  It's fascinating. 

But something that is always apparent is how differently the Americans behave in comparison with other nations.  It’s neither good or bad but it is what it is.  You’ll see various countries walking in together, solemnly in unison, to represent their sport—they clap, wave, smile. They appear stoic and humble. Then you see the Americans.  They come running in like a bull in a China shop, each one running off towards a camera to grab the lens, shove their face in it and shout, “We’re number 1” “USA, USA!” I mean, some are jumping up and down, jumping on a teammates backs, leaping into the air, running and shouting in glee.  This isn’t necessarily bad but it is such a mirror to what is happening in social media.  It’s as if everyone is celebrating the Olympics opening ceremony each day of their life. Taking home Gold and Silvers for best family times, most exotic vacation, newest in designed clothes, etc.
It has me wondering is social media another distraction from going inward?

What things are distracting you from being present in your life today? If you have no idea, set a timer for every hour of your waking day and every time it goes off, write