By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. – Confucius

We spend countless hours of our lives browsing various social media sites in search of some form of connection. The impact of social media in our society is quite a phenomenon. Those who would have otherwise never used a computer now feel compelled to be connected by the bits and bites that float around on servers and wireless transmitters. It has become contagious and addicting, but what are the unintentional benefits beyond being connected to others?

Have you ever looked at yourself in the social media mirror? During our time spent on social media we have left small digital fingerprints of our personality spread about with all the status updates, shared pictures, likes and re-tweets. This accumulation of data left scattered about should concern us in one way or another. Have you ever really gave your online persona a thorough audit? One of the things I find ironic in the social media world is that we all seem to look for faults, inspiration and likability in everyone we view online, yet we never really look at what kind of person we are projecting to the world. Our online being is a virtual model of who we are and that can be a very important tool when you are trying to learn more about yourself and how you interact with others. Most of us have spent many years trying to improve our interaction with others but never have we been able to capture past interactions in order to learn from them. But now in a social media world, we can.

Of course we cannot change our interactions in the past. What we have digitally printed online is there to stay, but why is that a bad thing? Sure, sometimes we get caught up in the moment and say things to others that we wish we could take back. But with this permanent marker online, you can use that as a reminder to be a better person, to learn from yourself. So take the time, review your timelines and learn from your past. Take great joy in the person you have become and remind yourself of the changes you are striving to make. Use the body of work you have spent countless hours creating and reflect on where you are, what you are and most importantly, who you are. Who are you?

530 / 1000 KMs walked | 27 / 50 blog posts | 12 / 10 books read