Narcissism

As I sift through the many status updates on Facebook and Instagram, I realize we are all narcissists. The worst part is that I am no exception despite my denial.  Mass social media has created a generation of narcissists. Not only do we take pictures everyday, all day of places, people and things, but our selfies abound. How can we possibly be living in any given moment or be truly compassionate and concerned about others when we are so self centered? An authentic connection and true interest in others is only skin deep now a days. This is going to get exponentially worse, I fear.  On the time table of my life, I can't find the month or even the year when the paradigm shifted. That scares me. We adults are also caught up in the world of social media, and our kids are watching.  My own sons peek over my shoulder as I fight not to become more of a voyeur.  But, the need is there like a dark; secret addiction. There are some days I go without getting online, but then other days it's like an itch I just must scratch. The ego is breathing like a beast underneath it all. I disgust myself.  Why? Because I know that social media is full of mostly bullshit; moments captured that represent only a fleeting emotion or place in time.  When our incessant boasts and selfies reflect our fantasies, hopes and dreams more than our realities, we miss the mark.  Something essential to the human spirit is lacking. We are cheating ourselves.  In 2015, I want to be more mindful for myself and my family. I want to seek out the authentic, "bigger than me" stuff that will make for thought provoking conversation and life. It's out there. I know it. I bet it's even on Facebook.