Online you vs. the Real you
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The internet is an amazing thing. Social media is an awesome way to share and stay in touch with friends and family, especially if they are far away or you don’t see them often. But these things can get you in trouble if you’re not careful. We tend to get a little more “ballsy” when talking on a computer or mobile device.
Do you notice that you act different online compared to real life? I know I can be a little more free with what I share on Facebook, but in person I can be super shy and quiet. And freeze up when 
trying to come up with small talk.
I guess when facing your computer screen you can forget you are actually talking to or about a real human being. We just need to take a step back, and think, would I say this in person? Could I really say this to someone’s face?
Nowadays, it’s like we think anything and everything is worth sharing. No matter who it may hurt. Like it’s OK to point out flaws or shame someone for their body or something stupid they did. Unfortunately, I am guilty of this…. with celebrities. Yes, they are people too!
We are all flawed in someway and to point someone else’s flaws out won’t make your flaws go away. We all have made mistakes or did something stupid in our past. And will definitely make mistakes and do something stupid in the future (What? Me? No way!).
I know I overshare on Facebook. But I like to at least try to share fun or happy stuff. I try not to be a Debbie Downer. (Sorry Debbie! Your name just fits!) And anything controversial? For. Get. It!!!! I am so not confrontational. I will avoid it as much as possible. No thanks. Yes, I’m a scaredy cat. I’ll stick to my happy little bubble over here with the rainbows and unicorns. Want to join me?
I just don’t get how people think it’s ok to bash other people so harshly? For the whole world to see? Do you feel even a little guilty? I’m not saying I’m in any way innocent. Everyone thinks bad things about people at some point. I just choose to not say it out loud. Or I tell my hubs who isn’t listening anyway.
Just remember there is a person on the other side of that picture or post. Someone who has feelings.
And cyber bullying just baffles me. I don’t get it at all. When I read some of these stories involving kids. KIDS!! What are they thinking?? Are parents aware at all? Do we blame the parents? The kids? The internet? Ug. It breaks my heart to know some kids… actually take this to heart… and harm themselves. Makes me want to never let my kids get anything like Facebook or Snapchat, till they are 30… or 40.
Just try to teach those kiddos the rights and wrongs of the internet. How there is a person on the other side. Ask them if they would say it in person. Or are they hiding behind their computer?
Don’t let them be mean or bully.
I know, kids will be kids. There’s a pecking order and cliques. But hopefully we can teach a little more kindness. Guide those kiddos to learn empathy.
Are you able to be the real you online?
Until next time….
16 Comments
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Addison Messer
July 17, 2017 at 2:39 pmOnline is definitely usually the most glamourous side of life. Starting a mom blog has allowed me to open up more about real struggles. Hopefully, it is not a downer, but a chance for others to relate and actually feel like not everyone has it together like they do on their Instagram feed.
EDamanda
July 17, 2017 at 2:55 pmAgree. We tend to glamorize for the people. But why? Keep it real girl! I think your blog is awesome. Thanks for the comment!!
Nicole
July 17, 2017 at 5:37 pmI feel like I am the real me online, but not that I always was. When I would go online when I was younger I feel I wasn’t as genuine as I am now. I think that came with age and wisdom and just feeling more comfortable with who I am and my stage of life etc. I am very much not looking forward to my children having an online presence , but it is inevitable and will be important for me to teach them, like you stated, that there are people on the other side of the keyboard .
EDamanda
July 17, 2017 at 9:01 pmUh! I am not looking forward to kiddos being online either. I feel I am more “brave” online. BUT, I also think before I post, I’m not want to point fun at anyone or confront. Thanks for stopping by!!
Jasmine Hewitt
July 18, 2017 at 11:09 amthe internet is def sporting some rose colored glasses. I’m shocked by how some pepole interact on here-and write things they wouldnt dare say to someone’s face. Or post pictures of perfection we all know isn’t attainable. great post, I like your take on the whole thing
EDamanda
July 18, 2017 at 12:15 pmThank you! & thanks for taking the time to comment & read.
Ken Hanaya
July 21, 2017 at 9:22 pmI call this a reality check on ourselves. Of course we all act differently for different reasons as well. This is a good article has inspired me a lot…thanks.
EDamanda
July 21, 2017 at 10:02 pmThank you! & thanks for commenting. 😊
Caitlin
July 21, 2017 at 10:17 pmI am way more open online than I am in person. I am actually super shy in real life. Communicating online is just easier. NOT that I use it to be mean, that’s just horrible! I always wonder what is the problem with cyber bullies and trolls, Their lives must be so sad that it brings them joy to torment people online.
EDamanda
July 21, 2017 at 10:26 pmWeird how we are more open online. Agree w/ being mean. I don’t get it! Hoping to pound it into my kiddos that yes, that is a person on the other side. Thanks for commenting!
Cindy
July 22, 2017 at 2:49 pmI agree. Everyone is a little more open when they are online. In this culture it is important to remember to be kind, whether you are in front of someone or behind a computer screen!
Thanks for the reminder.
EDamanda
July 22, 2017 at 3:03 pmThanks for reading and commenting. Hope this is just a friendly reminder. 🙂 Appreciate you stopping by!
Moe
July 28, 2017 at 12:36 pmGreat article…I think some people – grown or children – just don’t think it matters. it’s not real…..and I don’t under stand that. Great share!
EDamanda
July 28, 2017 at 1:04 pmThank you! Right, its online so not “real”. Hoping to make my own kids realize that it is real. Thanks for commenting!!
Donna Giles
January 11, 2018 at 3:33 pmGreat post & so true. I agree it’s important to remember there’s a person the other side of the screen.
Hopefully I’m fairly true to myself online.
EDamanda
January 11, 2018 at 5:50 pmThanks. It can be tough!