Have you ever heard the phrase, “Art imitates life?”
The 1998 movie, The Truman Show, explored the issues involved when someone’s life was (unknowingly) broadcast as a “reality show” for the whole country to watch. Nineteen years later, it seems as if many people want to be “Trumans,” in a sense. Today, much of social media involves people putting their own lives on display for the whole world to watch. Now, “life imitates art” – but not in the best sense, unfortunately.
I recently read the tragic story of a 19-year-old mother who shot and killed her boyfriend while making a YouTube video. The couple had gained some fame through their online videos of various pranks. The latest involved them seeing if a book held up to his chest would stop a bullet fired from a pistol. Unfortunately, it didn’t, and he died a short time later.
The couple had one young child, with another on the way. A tragic loss, and completely avoidable. According to a relative, the couple was trying to “get more views” for their online channel.
Online selfies, vacation videos, Facebook Live. Could it be that we are “caught up” in finding our own online fifteen minutes of fame, but not realizing its actual cost?
Three essential questions to make sure you’re not going too far in “going viral”:
1. Have you chosen your (online) boundaries in advance?
Part of avoiding the need to “go viral” is deciding in advance what you should – and shouldn’t – share online. Think about what is truly important to you. Determine which aspects of your life should be limited to family and (actual) friends. Choose one or two areas you feel comfortable sharing with the public (read: total strangers). If you wouldn’t personally invite a stranger into your home, should you post a Facebook Live video from your bedroom?
2. Have you decided what you’re trying to accomplish…and why?
A recent check of Periscope revealed the following topics of “discussion”: “In my kitchen,” “Boring day,” “Talk to me? I’m bored,” and “Can you see my feet?” Others showed a wide variety of pot-smoking videos, political discussions, and invitations to “roast me, bro.” Are Instagram followers, Periscope hearts, or Facebook likes so important that you’re willing to do almost anything to get them? Of course, there are many good uses of social media, but ask yourself: Are you trying to build something that lasts – online business, community, promotion of an important cause – or are you just trying to chase after popularity?
3. Are you shortchanging your offline relationships to build your online following?
As any entrepreneur can tell you, it takes a lot of time and hard work to build a business. The same holds true with any venture that is truly worthwhile. However, do you ask your spouse for more “likes” than hugs? Do your friends get more “follow me on Twitter” messages than lunch invitations? Do your kids see your videos more than they see you for dinner? Perhaps some “family time” is long overdue.
After all, no one ever went to their grave regretting that they never got more “shares” of their YouTube video. (At least, not yet.)
It is tempting to try and become “the next big YouTube star” or to get thousands of hearts and “follows” on Periscope. There have been a few who have made their fortune posting videos of pranks or game reviews or jokes. But is the “reward” worth the price? Is a fleeting moment of viral fame worth what it may take to achieve it? Many who pursue online stardom do so at the cost of their privacy, their (offline) relationships, their self-esteem, even their very lives.
Social media can be a powerful tool for good, for building things of lasting value. Or, it can be a means of creating a “me bubble” that leads to temporary “fame” and, ultimately, disappointment.
Which will you choose? And what will be your final “status update”?
How has social media been a blessing – or a temptation – for you?
Join the conversation on Facebook…
[reminder]