Today, almost everyone, young and old, has made their cell phone or smartphone an extension of their bodies. We’re constantly on social media and can spend countless minutes browsing them, trying to convince ourselves that it’s a way to unwind or relax from work, housework, university, or school, as appropriate.

In this regard, even if we are the ones posting something on one of these social networks, curiosity always gets the better of us to see the number of likes, comments, and other related topics.

In that sense, for some time now, I’ve been trying to write simple articles based on personal or close experiences or stories that invite reflection in general and allow those who read them to become even better people in all aspects of their lives. This begins with personal and family aspects, without neglecting the social and professional aspects, of course.

I would like to share with you two real facts and some questions about the title of this article. Therefore, I begin by addressing this topic in the first person.

The first fact is that one of my daughters excitedly told me that she had several stories on a social network with hundreds of thousands of views and a similar number of likes.

The second is about a recent conversation in which I mentioned that I’ve been writing articles on LinkedIn for some time. I was immediately told: writing and publishing is both brave and daring, because you never know if it will be of interest to anyone else. We then changed the subject.

These two facts left me thinking, and that is why I bring up the following questions:

• What is the real and honest reason why I write or post on social media?
• Am I looking to share my knowledge, experience, etc.?
• Am I just looking for popularity, people talking about me, likes and the most views, etc.?
• Do I honestly believe that social media is a medium that does good to others?
• How can I contribute or give to avoid the potential manipulation or selfishness we see on social media?
• Does what I publish reflect coherence between what I think, say and do?

I’d summarize all these questions, and others that you might surely have, as follows: we must always seek the good of others in our actions, without ulterior motives. For example, healthy distractions on TikTok, and sharing relevant information about current economic events, management, and so on LinkedIn or another network.

In that regard, I share two phrases with you, which I think could help us:

1. “We are so used to disguising ourselves for others that we end up disguising ourselves for ourselves.” François de La Rochefoucauld
2. “If you give alms to be seen, you are losing both the alms and your soul,” Saint Augustine of Hippo.

Finally, I want to point out that social media, per se, isn’t bad; it’s how we use it that can make the difference, for better or worse. So, keep swimming against the tide!