When I was growing up in the seventies and eighties, we didn’t have social media and internet access like what teenagers have today. Our form of “socializing” was in person on the school campus, fast food restaurants or around the neighborhood. We didn’t have hand-held devices to get lost in and we actually stayed in touch with friends via our home phone as cell phone texts were not an option then. There was no cyber-bullying. If anyone got teased, it was usually at school and no world-wide web to continue the torture on. There was no “online dating”; you got to know each other in person. Personally, I’m glad I grew up in that era. Young people today are blessed with technology, but with it comes with serious issues as well.
Today, so many people hide behind their cell phones and social media, and spend less and less time with the people they love. Some have used technology to hurt and embarrass others publicly with posts that are never removed; some of which have driven persons to commit suicide. In other words… people are now able to be cruel to each other on an even larger scale than ever before. For example: Posting nude pictures of love interests who once trusted them, etc. has been a common thing and the stories go on and on. And what’s strange is that with all the “friends” we make on social media and “followers” of our various accounts, people find themselves alone and empty. Yes, technology is a huge blessing and has brought many positive experiences to the lives of many, but on the other hand, it is also used in a destructive way. I feel for kids growing up today — those who have been targets on social media and not knowing where to turn or what to do. It’s a very sad situation.
Girls, in particular, need to have a healthy balance of self-esteem and confidence to help them through the maze of puberty and adulthood. Tools that will help them to make good decisions and to refrain from situations that can prove detrimental in the long run. They need to never be convinced by a so-called boyfriend who loves them to take naked pictures which may be used against them after there’s been an argument or the relationship has ended. Self-worth and value should be in the forefront of every girl’s mind and affectionate words and actions by a partner should never be enough to convince them to put themselves in a potentially damaging situation. When every girl/woman gets to know her value, she’ll be amazed by the inner strength that comes with it.
If you’re interested in the book I co-wrote that’s geared toward girls and women of all ages, the link to it is below. It’s currently widely available online. And after you’ve read it, I would really appreciate if you’d leave your comments about it on Amazon or wherever you purchased it from.
Until next time, take care, be safe and in spite of what you’ve been told, I want you to know that you are BEAUTIFUL.
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