To Those Who Overshare On Social Media: Don't

To Those Who Overshare On Social Media: Don't

It’s not that we are trying to be apathetic or cold-hearted, but you have to realize that what you’re doing is just TOO MUCH for us to handle.
Allyson Charleston
Allyson Charleston Jan 16, 2017
7804
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Dear those who like to overshare on social media,

You may not even realize that you’re doing it, but from all of us who know way too much about you through the other side of the screen: please stop. It’s not that we are trying to be apathetic or cold-hearted, but you have to realize that what you’re doing is just TOO MUCH for us to handle. So, if you think you may be guilty, please read on.

Social media, which was devised to further and assist social networking through the internet, is not meant to post pictures of you taking a dump. Social networking is the use of websites and applications to find people with similar interests as you. Therefore, it is only supposed to scratch the surface. Can it provide long-lasting, deep connections with people? Of course. But, as most people grow up to learn, you won’t have those deep connections with everyone. It is actually pretty rare to find people who accept you fully for who you are and vice versa. Those are who we call our closest friends.


On average, according to a 2014 survey, the average number of Facebook friends a user has is 338. 3-3-8. Three hundred and thirty-eight. I am trying to emphasize that as much as possible because the likelihood that you consider yourself to be on a close friend basis with AT LEAST 338 people, is preposterous. What is my point? Probably the only time that it is socially acceptable or just plain welcomed to share extensive details about your private life is when you are in the company of those close friends. Per Twitter user, on average, they will have 208 followers. Instagram is 265. Do not share with 300 people that your significant other just cheated on you and left you for someone else. Save those conversations for your close friends.

This doesn’t mean that you aren’t allowed to overshare, as the first amendment clearly states; it simply means that if you do, you shouldn’t expect a pleasant or even positive reaction from those you subject your oversharing to. This letter is only meant to help those who commit these offenses out in the long run. We don’t want to be annoyed with you, but it’s increasingly harder not to be every time we scroll down our timeline and see a thousand posts about how in love you are with (insert common name here). Or that crazy embarrassing thing your kid did this morning on his/her way to school. Or that other hilarious thing your kid did. Or that other hilarious thing your kid did. Or that hilarious reaction that (insert common name here) had to that other hilarious thing your kid did... moderation is key, if at all necessary.

Now, when people are in pain, it is understandable that they want to reach out and let everyone know how upset they are. Whether it be mental health issues, relationship problems, or others; I get wanting to reach out for support. But something you’ll learn quickly: the only person who can help you, is you. So save yourself some time, effort, and possible negative responses both directly to you and indirectly about you. There’s no easy answer to getting through a tough time and tweeting about it won’t produce one.


So, if you’ve made it this far without denying this could be you, I have one more piece of advice: next time you’re about to press “post” on that furious opinion that you just HAD to get out there, think twice. Or don’t. But don’t blame anyone who decides to then press that “unfriend” button.

Sincerely, the rest of the world.

Cover Image Credit: Pixabay
Allyson Charleston
Allyson Charleston Jan 16, 2017
At University of Richmond

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To The Girl Struggling With Her Body Image

It's not about the size of your jeans, but the size of your heart, soul, and spirit.

Lauren Margliotti
Lauren Margliotti Jul 5, 2016
693263
views

To the girl struggling with her body image,

You are more than the number on the scale. You are more than the number on your jeans and dresses. You are way more than the number of pounds you've gained or lost in whatever amount of time.

Weight is defined as the quantity of matter contained by a body or object. Weight does not define your self-worth, ambition or potential.

So many girls strive for validation through the various numbers associated with body image and it's really so sad seeing such beautiful, incredible women become discouraged over a few numbers that don't measure anything of true significance.

Yes, it is important to live a healthy lifestyle. Yes, it is important to take care of yourself. However, taking care of yourself includes your mental health as well. Neglecting either your mental or physical health will inflict problems on the other. It's very easy to get caught up in the idea that you're too heavy or too thin, which results in you possibly mistreating your body in some way.

Your body is your special, beautiful temple. It harbors all of your thoughts, feelings, characteristics, and ideas. Without it, you wouldn't be you. If you so wish to change it in a healthy way, then, by all means, go ahead. With that being said, don't make changes to impress or please someone else. You are the only person who is in charge of your body. No one else has the right to tell you whether or not your body is good enough. If you don't satisfy their standards, then you don't need that sort of negative influence in your life. That sort of manipulation and control is extremely unhealthy in its own regard.

Do not hold back on things you love or want to do because of how you interpret your body. You are enough. You are more than enough. You are more than your exterior. You are your inner being, your spirit. A smile and confidence are the most beautiful things you can wear.

It's not about the size of your jeans. It's about the size of your mind and heart. Embrace your body, observe and adore every curve, bone and stretch mark. Wear what makes you feel happy and comfortable in your own skin. Do your hair and makeup (or don't do either) to your heart's desire. Wear the crop top you've been eyeing up in that store window. Want a bikini body? Put a bikini on your body, simple.

So, as hard as it may seem sometimes, understand that the number on the scale doesn't measure the amount or significance of your contributions to this world. Just because that dress doesn't fit you like you had hoped doesn't mean that you're any less of a person.

Love your body, and your body will love you right back.

Cover Image Credit: Lauren Margliotti
Lauren Margliotti
Lauren Margliotti Jul 5, 2016
At Duquesne University

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This One’s For Africa

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Read through to the end for an amazing Toto reference.

Grace Bain
Grace Bain Jun 11, 2019
301
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It's now been a week since I stepped foot on the African continent for the first time in my life. I first visited Johannesburg, where my dad and I spent a day on an 'apartheid tour.'

This tour consisted of visiting Shanty Town, one of the poorest communities in South Africa. The living conditions were indeed different. They had to steal electricity through homemade wires connected to the telephone poles. They had only a few porta potties for ten families to share. They had several spickets to obtain fresh water from. There was no heating in the houses, which were made from pieces of painted aluminum.

Such inconvenient circumstances have come from years of oppression towards black people in South Africa. It was incredibly sad to know that these problems still exist and that apartheid only ended so recently.

On the other hand, the people showed very little anger. Despite their living situations, the people of Shanty Town were so kind and welcoming. Everyone we passed smiled and waved, often even saying hello or asking about our wellbeing.

It brought some serious warmth to our hearts to see their sense of community. Everyone was in it together, and no man was left behind. They created jobs and opportunities for one another. They supported each other.

The next part of the day included a tour of Nelson Mandela's old house. We then made a trip to the Apartheid Museum.

Overall, Johannesburg did not disappoint. The city contains a rich history that human beings as a whole can learn a lot from. Johannesburg is a melting pot that still contains a multitude of issues concerning racism and oppression of certain cultures.

After two days in Johannesburg, my family made our way to Madikwe game reserve, where we stayed at Jaci's Lodge.

The safari experience was absolutely incredible. Quite cold (it's winter in Africa right now), but amazing enough to make up for the shivering. We saw all my favorite animals: giraffes galore, elephants, zebras, impalas, lions, hyenas, wildebeests, rhinos, you name it. While my favorite animal will always be the giraffe, I don't think any sighting could beat when two different herds of elephants passed through a watering hole to fuel up on a drink.

Finally on June 1st, I flew to George to start my program with Africa Media in Mossel Bay. On Sunday, we went on an 'elephant walk.'

The safari was certainly cool, but that makes the elephant walk ice cold. We got to walk alongside two male elephants - one was 25, the other 18. They were so cute!! We got to stroke their skin, trunk, and tusks. They had their own little personalities and were so excited to receive treats (fruits and vegetables) at the end of the journey.

My heart couldn't be more full. Africa, you have become my favorite continent. And it sure is going to take a lot to drag me away from you.

Grace Bain
Grace Bain Jun 11, 2019
At University of Southern California

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