Ladies and Gentleman, it has been another controversial week in our social media world, from Rihanna & ASAP Rocky naming their child after the famous rapper RZA to Beyoncé kicking off her world tour in Sweden and many politicians being charged with crimes. It has been another week for the books.
But one conversation that has repeatedly gone down my Instagram timeline is dating! And, as you all know, it is about to be summer, so cuddle weather is leaving, and Trina’s famous words, “I am single again back on the prowl,” are starting to leave people’s mouths again (Trina, 2008).
Although many are planning on having a hot girl or hot boy summer, there have been a lot of discussions on social media this week on the proper etiquette of handling relationships that people have in the long term.
Specifically, there was some dialogue on Reginae Carter’s relationships and the transparency she and her boyfriend offered on the internet about their union.
Some bloggers have said it was too much, and others have said to continue to tell us more. But, I’d like to pose the question to you all.
How much is too much to share on social media?
This post is not a bashing session for Ms. Carter, as she has decided and apologized for her role in her relationship being aired on social media platforms.
Instead, I want to use the conversations that sprouted up on social media this week as a case study for open dialogue on how we should handle our relationships moving forward on media platforms.
Ladies and Gentlemen, is it okay to shade your significant other on FB or Twitter?
Is it okay to vent and seek support if you have a following?
Should we hold celebrities in contempt for doing things that people on FB timelines do daily?
I cannot tell you the countless times I have scrolled my Twitter or FB, and someone is asking for dating advice or looking for someone to hear them vent about the frustrations they are experiencing in their relationship.
Growing up in a digital age, I have watched influencers from Youtube to Twitter to Tik Tok to Snapchat share their entire lives for public viewing.
But, I wonder if some things should be kept to oneself.
How do we vent in a way that allows us to get our point across but not share everything we are experiencing?
I must admit that it’s hard. Seeing so many other people do it makes it “acceptable” to society to share the ins and outs of your day.
But I am here to say that a relationship is sacred. It is only sometimes meant for public consumption, even if you are a public figure.
No one, including me, has the right to know or gain access to things you are privately dealing with unless you feel comfortable sharing.
And that doesn’t just extend to romantic relationships; that includes platonic ones as well. We have seen countless friendship breakups on our social media platforms that have become ugly in a blink of an eye, so I want to know what is too much for social media.
Is it okay to share that you broke up?
Is it okay to share that you found some negative things about your partner?
Is it okay to tell your partner off under a post on Instagram?
Ladies and Gentlemen, let me know what you think in the comments!
And although there will be a lot of mixed results. Ms. Carter brought up a very valid point on her live a couple of days ago, she reminded us that she is human, and humans can’t always do the right thing every time.
And she is absolutely 100% correct. As humans, we are bound to make mistakes. We are bound not always to know if social media is the best place to vent; as I said above, society has normalized sharing on the internet.
But, although it is normalized, it doesn’t have to be your go-to outlet every time. Homegirls give the same clap backs as Twitter.
Homeboys tell it like it is with no chasers, just like individuals on Instagram.
It’s all about how you feel comfortable sharing your situations. As humans, you can decide where, who, when, and how you will share.
Just remember it’s for public viewing; you may never be able to take that back. Being as responsible as possible is essential, but there is always room for redemption if you make a mistake.
But, the redemption may not come from the loved one you hurt. Take heed and stay cautious on these social media streets.
Let us know in the comments if there has ever been a situation where you shared too much on FB, Twitter, or Instagram. What did you do to fix things?
Until next time, peace and prosperity as always!
Jadis “IHateAdulthood” DeShong-Venay
References:
Trina. (2008). Single Again [Song]. On Still the Baddest. Slip-N-Slide Records.