A gentle reminder for all of us trying to stay connected and wise online
Social media can be such a blessing, can’t it?
It helps us stay in touch with loved ones, see photos of the grandkids, share encouraging messages, and even learn new things. But it can also become overwhelming, confusing, or even harmful if we’re not careful.
As someone who’s learning right alongside you, I’ve noticed a few things we might want to stop doing on social media—not out of shame or criticism, but as a way to protect our peace, our time, and our relationships. These little shifts can make a big difference.
1. Stop Tagging People Without Asking First
Tagging can be useful, but sometimes we tag others in posts they didn’t ask to be part of—quotes, videos, political thoughts, or even funny memes. While we may mean well, not everyone wants to be publicly connected to every post we share.
A better option? If it’s something meaningful or personal, send it in a private message or text. That way, they can receive it without feeling like they’re being pulled into a public conversation. And if you’re sharing something general—just post it to your timeline without tagging. The right people will still see it.
2. Stop Sharing Things Without Checking if They’re True
We’ve all seen those dramatic headlines or emotional stories that seem urgent or unbelievable. And while it’s easy to click “share” in the moment, many of those posts turn out to be exaggerated—or even completely false.
What to do instead: Take a moment to search online or use a site like Snopes.com to check the facts. Sharing truth encourages trust. Sharing misinformation, even unintentionally, can confuse or upset people.
3. Stop Accepting Friend Requests from Fake Profiles
This one’s important. Some scam accounts are getting sneakier—they’ll send you a friend request after commenting on one of your public posts. They may say things like, “You have such a kind face” or “You’re absolutely beautiful, ma’am.” It feels flattering, but it’s often just bait.
These accounts usually claim to be doctors, military men, or lonely widowers—and their profile often looks too perfect to be real. Their goal is to gain your trust, and eventually, they may try to manipulate or scam you.
A simple rule: If you don’t know them personally or don’t have trusted mutual friends, it’s best to ignore the request. Your heart and privacy are precious, and it’s important to protect them. Additionally, you might want to consider changing your post privacy settings to allow only your friends to see them.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION
Keep It Shut: What to Say, How to Say It, and When to Say Nothing at All
by Karen Ehman
If you’ve ever regretted something you said—or posted—this book is for you. In Keep It Shut, Karen Ehman offers heartfelt wisdom, biblical truth, and a good dose of humor as she helps us learn how to use our words with grace and purpose. From conversations at the dinner table to comments on social media, she reminds us that our words have power—and with God’s help, we can use them to build up, not tear down.
I especially love how she addresses how we speak (or type!) in emotionally charged situations, and how to pause before reacting. It’s practical, honest, and deeply encouraging—perfect for anyone who wants to grow in wisdom and kindness in both real life and online spaces.
4. Stop Clicking on Ads That Sound Too Good to Be True
I almost fell for these twice. Once, I saw sneakers that looked like a sale from Dick’s Sporting Goods. Another time, I saw a sale for Archies sandals that was too good to be true. Some posts show amazing products—miracle creams, name-brand shoes for $9.99, or “limited time” gadgets that promise to fix all your problems. However, many of these are scams or low-quality knockoffs.
Instead: If something catches your eye, look up the brand through a trusted website or search for real reviews. When in doubt, it’s okay to walk away.
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
—Colossians 4:6 (NIV)
5. Stop Oversharing Personal or Family Details (and Don’t Rant)
It’s natural to want to share what’s going on in your life, especially when emotions are high. But social media isn’t always the best place for venting or posting about personal matters—especially if it involves other people or unresolved conflict.
Even when we’re hurting, ranting online can backfire. What feels like relief in the moment can lead to regret later on.
A better approach: Call a friend. Write in a journal. Pray about it. Then post only if you truly feel it brings encouragement, not confusion or division.
Final Thoughts
Social media is a tool—and like any tool, it works best when we use it wisely. Let’s be the ones who offer kindness, caution, and discernment in these digital spaces.
We have so much wisdom to share—let’s share it in ways that reflect who we are and what we stand for. Kindness. Truth. And a little grace for ourselves and others.
Thanks for reading.
Have you noticed any of these habits showing up in your feed—or maybe in your own habits? No judgment here. We’re all learning and growing together.
With love,
– Kathy
Oma’s Musings