I am almost twenty years old and social media has been a part of my life for a long time. It's a part of most people's lives. Recently, however, I've noticed that it's a part of my life, of everyone lives, in ways it doesn't need to be. I'm a firm believer in the chain effect, and that goodness really is contagious. I love seeing all the good people are out there doing. It really is inspiring, but for some reason, we've equated Facebook shares and retweets to actually doing something. Good deeds are still good deeds even when no one notices them.
I noticed this a few days ago when a video of a kid giving a man a meal went viral. I want to stress that I don't think there is anything wrong with sharing the good things you do, but I do want to stress that you shouldn't share a good deed on the internet to validate it, or with the sole intention of it blowing up and going viral. Kindness is not a popularity contest, and you are good even if the world doesn't see you doing good things. You're still making a difference, whether it's picking up a piece of trash on the sidewalk, donating, making a meal for the homeless, or just offering help to those who need it. No good deed is more important than another.
I think the internet really can be a great way to share what you're doing, and an awesome way to get other people involved in it! It shouldn't be used like a competition, though. Kindness is not a competition. I don't know why we've suddenly equated likes and retweets to goodness, or why we seek validation through the internet. Love others selflessly, do good things boldly and know that good comes from good.
I don't think its an issue of being humble or not, I think it's that in the digital age, we are obsessed with capturing everything we do and having everyone know that we're doing it. I think everyone is a little bit guilty of it, and I think we could help each other change this. I think the internet can be a great place for togetherness, and to encourage each other, but not to measure if we're a good enough person.
This year, I am challenging myself to do better, and to ask other people to help me do it, and not for other people to just hear me shout "hey look I'm doing something good I'm good!" over the internet.
With that being said, I want to reiterate that there is absolutely nothing wrong with sharing your good deeds. I think the problem is that people are using internet fame as a motivator to do good things. Do good things even if no one sees you doing them. Some moments are just for you, and that's okay. Let's do good things. We all deserve some good.
Here are a few things going on right now that you can help with. Whether you share what you're doing on Facebook or not, I do want to tell people that there is so much that we can be doing to help, and your intrinsic worth and overall value as a person isn't related to your facebook page at all.
1. The Broken Arrow Animal Shelter.
Needs volunteers to help socialize adoptable dogs. Prospective volunteers can call 918-259-8311.
2. The Mental Health Association of Tulsa.
Needs welcome baskets for those transitioning from living on the streets into a home! These baskets can include anything you may need, especially day to day items, laundry baskets and detergent, cleaning supplies, pots and pans, dishes, silverware, etc. You can call 918-585-1213 for more information, and other volunteer options they have!
3. The Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa.
Always in need volunteers! This is a great way to be exposed to art, and to help others see it too! There are many volunteer opportunities on their website: http://ahhatulsa.org/volunteer/
4. The Day Center For the Homeless in Tulsa.
Needs volunteers for their day to day operations! Most of the time you can be under 18 to volunteer with them! Please help the people in our community! You can call 918-583-5588 for more information!
There are loads of other ways to help Tulsa or your local community! Let's do some good with the sole intention of doing good. It doesn't matter who sees it or who doesn't. There's good inside us.
