“People watching” is now an actual word in the Oxford dictionary. Its definition refers to the action of watching people in a public place for enjoyment.

#Myhonestlife #Exposed #Thisisme

The internet has become our public place and social media is an open field of specimens to watch. We follow people because we are curious about their lives and sometimes even feel as though we are a part of these lives that are shared so openly. Who is dating who, who travelled where, who broke up with who, who initiated the breakup…. all this is no longer private but displayed in all its glorious splendour with many selfies from every angle or in its ugly murkiness with a pageful of emojis as a means of attracting as much attention as possible and getting as many “likes” and “views” as they can. We become fascinated by the choices, spending, sins, pasttimes, partners, indulgences, holidays and relationships of random people. Other peoples lives can become such a deadly obsession for us that we become completely enthralled as though we were watching a TV programme with daily episodes that we will then mull over and believe we are a part of.

#Egoli #Itsmyobsession #Realvsfake

I remember years ago while working in an office environment, there was a lady who was completely addicted to an TV soapy called Egoli. Each day she would give us a full synopsis of the previous days’ episode, becoming angry or emotional at what had been acted out. The problem was that for her this was no longer a fictitious story but had become “real life”. One of the villain characters once came into the office to book a flight and she wanted to attack him. His on screen character was so real to her and she had allowed herself to become so fully engaged in the drama being acted out that she had real and personal feelings towards this actor.

#Movieofmylife #Isitadream #Smokeandmirrors

I’ve seen this with Instagram and I myself have often got all riled up because of what somebody has posted. We see a life of a movie script but more often than not the real story behind the very shiny post is very different. Those posts are meant to portray something that is to be revered and envied.

#Openandhonest #Justwantyoutoknow #overshare

Other times, the opposite is posted. A heartwrenching post or video of a traumatic PERSONAL experience splayed across your phone screen is meant to cause you to feel pity or to be impressed with their openness and honesty.

#Theworldofselfies #Behindthelens #tellmelies

Social media is designed to cause curiosity and to make people become their own gods.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not about to delete my Instagram profile but I’m also at the point where I’ve recognised these traits of ‘people watching’ in myself. Like my former colleague who lived vicariously through the lives and loves of the Egoli characters, I too get sometimes dangerously fascinated with the lives and loves of people that I follow.

#painvspeace #Eyeswideopen #turmoilandanguish

Funny how the result is always sense of turmoil, envy,irritation or annoyance but never one of peace.

#Iwantfame #Allaboutme #Pleaselike

Perhaps its time to take my eyes off of the highs and lows of a fame-hungry world of Instagram subscribers and focus on the things that are real and uplifting. Things that do bring peace in an upside-down world and not more turmoil.

Each one of us has a God given purpose and for many that purpose will not need to be broadcast but rather done in secret where the only applause and recognition will be from God Himself. Is that enough for us though, or do we crave an audience to all our glorious moments and hashtags?

Today I will try to focus on the road God has laid out ahead of me, to not be distracted by the nonsense of social media and to seek His approval only- without any selfies!

Today is only 24 hours long and that can be spent looking down at my phone screen or looking up to my Heavenly Father and being filled with the wonder of Him and not the fantasies of Instagram. My daughters often take a social media vacation or fast. Instead of being traumatised by their loss of knowledge of peoples lives, it has brought them such a sense of ease NOT knowing what people are doing as well as a freedom from the hype.

#healthyheart #interestnotobsession

Enjoy social media but take it with a pinch of salt. It can be a fun tool to learn,communicate and sometimes to be encouraged or inspired by, but don’t allow it to govern your life and your opinions. You have a bigger purpose ahead of you. Reach for that as you put down your phone!

#lastwords #Bringitbacktoscripture

#Philippians4:8

Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.