Are You a Cog?

Do you want to feel like another number who simply exists in society? Would it hurt if you were lumped in with everyone else? Does it annoy you when people inaccurately define who you are based on limited information that is available to them? I don't know how every person would answer these questions, but the people I know want to be acknowledged as unique individuals. They don't want to be lumped in with everyone else. To be lumped in with everyone else means you are simply a person who is represented by a number (e.g., social security number).

Now, let me ask you this: Even though you probably don't want to be another number, do your actions complement your opinion? I want you to really think about this question before you answer it. As you contemplate your answer, think about everyday things that happen. Do you post too much information about yourself on social media? Be honest with yourself if you do. Think about everything you post in a day. Is it possible that not everyone wants to see 10 selfies of you per day? Do you think it's reasonable to think that open statements are a cry for attention (e.g., I don't know what's going to happen...)? If you could choose anyway to contact someone (assuming you cannot see the person at that moment), what is your preferred communicative method? Why do you prefer your preferred method? Do you text because it's convenient or because you can avoid confrontation? Does the thought of making a phone call make you cringe?

What does all of this mean? Well, I will tell you. Each time you post too much information on social media, you are lumped in with all other people who do the same thing. Guess what? You've just become another number. While short-term attention is granted, it doesn't necessarily mean it's positive attention. If you choose text messenger as your preferred method of communication, you become a number. How hard is it to pick up the phone?

Today, it seems like society (as a whole) is becoming a cog in digital machine. Rather than using technology in a way that is beneficial, society is using it to the point where they have become unimportant in the grand scheme of the digital world. When you become unimportant, you risk being lumped in with everyone else and people inaccurately define who you are. I am not telling you to stop using technology. What I am saying is that I want you to be mindful and smart about the way technology is used. If you want to differentiate yourself, post meaningful posts and limit the number of posts you post each day; quantity doesn't always mean quality. When you have the opportunity to communicate with someone, don't lump yourself in with everyone else who chooses to send a text message. Be different and hold a conversation. At the end of the day, if you differentiate yourself in a positive way, then you will no longer be just another number who simply exists in society.