Oh, Facebook. I love and hate you sometimes. Or rather, I love and hate how others can use you sometimes!
Every morning, I hop on the computer to check my mail, Facebook, and Twitter. As anyone else who’s signed up on Facebook and Twitter, I love to keep up with my friends, family, and fans, and I enjoy keeping them all updated with my news, events, and pictures of Barry Manilow concerts.
There’s one aspect I absolutely HATE about social media: chronic whiners. Yes, I know it’s ironic that I’m complaining about complainers. But when it gets to the point that I feel the need to block you from my feed because your constant complaining is causing me to feel depressed, angry, or just in a negative mood in general, we’ve got a problem.
If you’re like me and have some of those friends who make you cringe with their chronic complaints and criticism on Facebook (you know, the ones that post an innocuous “L” as their status at least once a week!), then you know what I’m talking about!
Why do people feel the need to complain all the time? Yes, it’s no fun that you got little sleep, got out of bed and stubbed your big toe on the dresser, had to clean up your pet’s mess because she was scared by the storms last night, and are now running a few minutes late to get to work and need caffeine, like, stat! And you’re entitled to express yourself, your opinions, and your experiences on Facebook. But first of all, is your day really that horrible? Or are you just warping your problems a bit too much through your emotions?
It’s no secret that social media tools can be a VERY easy way to vent your frustrations. And sometimes, that urge to use Facebook or Twitter to vent about your troubles can be an itch that will never go away. That doesn’t mean that you should scratch it!
Think about it. What if you start feeling so liberal as to complain about your job? Or your mate? Or even your best friend? Not only will you hurt others’ feelings by posting on social media, and not bothering to confront them about the issue at hand, but it could also get you fired. Hint: Do NOT post, “God, I hate my stupid job sooooooo much. It’s sooooo boring.” There are plenty of other people who would be more than happy to take your “boring” job off your hands!
If you find that you fall into the category of chronic social media whiner, there IS hope. You can rectify your situation before it’s too late! Here are some strategies to keep you from becoming a chronic social media whiner:
Learn When It’s Appropriate To Complain on Social Media – Aside from refraining from complaining about your job, don’t whine about vague issues. It’s not cool to post things like, “I love how some people can be sooooo stupid sometimes.” It’s called Facebook, NOT Vaguebook. If you’re doing this now, stop before you find yourself in hot water and down in the friends department.
Keep Things in Perspective – Your life may seem like it’s horrible at times, but try to keep things in perspective, especially when things seem like they’re falling to pieces. You have a roof over your head, food and water, and people who love you. There are some in the world who don’t have one or any of those things.
Complain in Moderation – You can complain about things, but try to not be that person who complains all the time on social media. Your “😦” status might get responses at first, but over time, you will see less and less people concerned about your vague status updates.
Vent to a Friend – Remember the good ol’ days when venting meant calling up a friend and talking about it for hours? Revisit those days – call a good, trusted friend, or email them, text them, or talk one-on-one! You’ll feel MUCH better!
Solve the Problem – That’s right. Instead of venting and whining, DO something about it! Rectify the problem with whomever did you wrong, and learn from your mistakes so you can avoid in the future whatever situation you’re in now.
Always Look For a Bright Side – When life gets you down, try to keep a positive attitude and look for all the positives in a situation. If you’re angry because you’re stuck behind a slow driver and are running late to work, you can simply turn up your music and realize that you at least get to listen to more of your favorite music. You never know – if you didn’t have that driver in front of you, you might be involved in a wreck! Count your blessings!
Remember, try to be the person on social media that gives others inspiration, not depression!
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