Have you ever met someone that you just couldn’t figure out how you felt about them? That’s how I am with technology- particularly social media. Through the years, what started as a complete aversion to me has morphed into a very clear love/hate relationship.
I know, I know. This is the 21st century. Times have changed and the world has changed right along with it, which, to be honest, is the only reason I own this laptop to begin with.
I’m one of those people who just likes to live simply. I like books I can physically hold in my hands, I plan all of our homeschool lessons on paper, and my calendar is hanging on my wall- not stored on a microchip in my phone.
To be sure, technology has certainly been beneficial to our family. Google is one of my very best friends, and I never would have been able to create this amazing platform to communicate my thoughts- rambling though they may be at times- to all of you.
Without the worldwide web there would be no Khan Academy, no Amazon, and no Netflix.
There would also be no Facebook, no Twitter, no Tumblr, and no YouTube…which is where this love/hate relationship begins.
As a blogger, social media is such a great way to not only spread the word about my blog, but it is also a great way to stay connected with all of the awesome people who take the time to read what I write.
Writing is truly the only time I actually take for myself. It is my “me time”, and what better way to spend this time than by not simply journaling like I used to do, but by posting my ideas, my hopes, and my dreams for all the world to see? Social media has been such a blessing in helping others to know what I’m all about, and I truly enjoy communicating with people that way.
But…
I have my issues with it, as well. Most of these issues stem from my role as a mother, mainly this one thing…
I don’t like what my kids are being exposed to while they’re online. As a mom who is trying to take advantage of our homeschooling lifestyle to instill Christian values in my children, I’m finding that my kids are being exposed to the same sorts of things that I wanted to keep them away from in school. And if that weren’t bad enough, we adults know that the adage “If it’s on the internet, then it must be true” is meant as a joke, but I’m finding that a lot of kids don’t realize that. Countless times, recently, I’ve had to set my kids straight on one falsehood or another being spread on Facebook, Kik, Tumblr, or some other popular teen social media platform.
I could just throw in the towel and say, “That’s it…I’m done with social media and so are my kids,” but, really, what would that accomplish? As teenagers who are quickly approaching adulthood- in fact, my oldest daughter just started her first job today- they are going to learn about these things one way or another. I’ve come to realize that maybe learning about them online isn’t such a bad thing because at home I’m better able to address these issues with them immediately.
My kids and I really do have great relationships, and they open up to me all the time about all sorts of things, so we’ve had some very lively conversations about various “news headlines” their friends on Tumblr insist is true. And, yes, I’ve got to put in a homeschooling plug here because I really don’t think our relationships would be what they are if they were away from me all day.
To be honest, I really didn’t know where I was going to go with this when I began writing…but I’ve had an epiphany of sorts while sitting here expressing my thoughts:
No relationship is perfect, but it’s important to find the good that’s hidden in the bad.
I’m going to take this love/hate relationship and turn it into something positive- an opportunity for open discussion on those issues they will inevitably be faced with.
If it comes down to learning about these things at home where I can guide them, or after they’re out on their own, it’s really a no-brainer.
You know? I’m starting to think that technology just might not be so bad after all.
Like any other thing, social media/technology has two sides. I try to embrace the good and leave the bad. Like life in general. And that’s what I try to teach to my children too. Thanks for your interesting post. Blessings to you and yours!
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Yes, that is what I’ll be focusing on from now on. Thanks for visiting!
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Very well said. As a blogger I am learning to deal with much of technology stuff. I tend to attack it in my time off (whatever that is lol) I want to learn all about it so when the kids are talking to me, a) I have a clue b) We can have discussions about it.
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Well, you know how terrible I am with the technology stuff. I didn’t tackle that because I’d need a whole series of posts on that!
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Writing is my only “me time,” too!
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Better than none at all, right? 🙂
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This is very well stated. It is hard to find that happy medium between social media and technology. However, like anything else we have to find what works for us. Like you pointed out, at least we can be there to help them navigate it all since we do homeschool them.
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Yes, that is a huge benefit!
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This is right on point! I, too, have a love/hate relationship with technology and especially social media. Thankfully, the boys are too young to be exposed to much, but I do my the things Monkey Boy can watch on his own via Netflix and YouTube. It’s a tricky thing, but also an enjoyable and connecting one – technology and the Internet. 🙂
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Yeah, we do Netflix and Youtube instead of having cable. My kids love to watch gamers, but there are only a couple that they’re allowed to watch because far too many of them use bad language.
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I love technology but then my kids are too young for me to worry about what they’re accessing. Could be worse – I’m sure their kids will have google downloaded straight into their brains 😉 Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next Sunday
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I wouldn’t be surprised if that happened one day!
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I think the most important thing with technology is to teach kids the skills to research and evaluate information for themselves – it is such a wonderful tool, but there is so much rubbish out there that can mislead people if they’re not careful. #FridayFrivolity
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Exactly!
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I definitely agree with having a lover hate relationship with technology/social media. As a blogger it is a great tool but can also drive me nuts from a personal stand point. #FridayFrivolity
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Yes, exactly. It is a great tool, but it’s way too time consuming!
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I’m so thrilled every time I “meet” a new homeschooler! You ladies, and gents, are the true back bones of our kids’ educational future! The schools are horrible! (I was there as a teacher, I know!!) the sad thing is, the teachers are so bound by the rules, regulations, etc, that they are so frustrated! They can’t teach the way they want to, and know is best.
Stepping off my soap box now. Sorry.
hm mh Technology-yes. I love/hate it too! I keep going off FB, then back on to keep in touch with far flung friends.
I have issues with the actual technology itself, when I can’t get the computer to do what I want!! lol
Lovely to meet you, Shelly.
Inspire Me Monday
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Thank you so much for yoour great comments. I consider teachers to be heroes for exactly the reasons you stated- their hands are completely tied, yet they try with all their hearts to do what’s best for their students. 🙂
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You’re so welcome. Teachers are heroes!! And you home school teacher moms are the most heroic of all!! You are standing up to the system, to prevent your children from being chewed up and spit out!
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Hi, it’s tough isn’t it. Like anything I think that in moderation technology and social media is okay. It is when it starts to rule our lives rather than helping us to run our lives that we need to worry. Thank Pen x #KCACOLS
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Yes, that’s very true. Thanks for visiting!
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Raising my hand over here. I hate that my grandchildren are being raised in the technological age, where we all have phones at our sides or in our faces much of the time. We are striving for more balance, which is good, yet I feel technology will be our downfall in the personal connection department. However, it is the age in which we live and you are right, we must find good, and there is still much.
I have to also say that technology is the very bane of my existence. I am technologically challenged in every way known to mankind. I still cannot believe I created my own website and still run all of it myself. Very poorly at times, I might add.
Always enjoy your posts!
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I’m right there with you. I’m always telling everyone that I’m technologically impaired! Thanks for visiting!
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I think it is all about teaching them to be safe on the internet and making sure that not all of their time is spent on it.
#KCACOLS
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Yes, moderation is the key!
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Hi Redhead Mom,
I have also published about the difficulty of mastering technology in midlife.
Thanks for coming to Blogger’s Pit Stop last week.
Janice, Pit Stop Crew
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I’ll have to check it out. Is it on your blog?
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Hi RedHead Mom,
That’s kind of you to take an interest. Here is the link to my “tech challenged” article: http://www.mostlyblogging.com/how-to-blog-better-while-being-a-digital-immigrant/
Let me know what you think of it. Thanks,
Janice
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Thank you for sharing your wise thoughts at #FridayFrivolity recently! I TOTALLY have a love/hate relationship with technology too, and I don’t even have kids yet…. I get nervous just thinking about it! Pinning and tweeting. 🙂
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Thank you for sharing and for hosting #FridayFrivolity.
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