In this era of high skepticism, the need to be real, transparent, open and honest has never been greater. Social networks are another aspect of this and while many feel a sense of Internet fame and delusions of popularity based just on their follower count on Twitter or friend count on Facebook, real influence is being able to do what you say you will, time after time, and delivering on the promise of trust to your friends. For social networks to function there has to a reciprocal nature of sharing information, status, who you are. But too many people in my opinion share the dull, boring banality of their lives by taking pictures of their lunch or dinner at a fancy restaurant, trying to evoke envy. This makes me unfollow and unfriend people because social networks should be about strengthening the bonds of trust, not attempting to play the popularity game.
I find that trust is so precious now, and that sincerity and honesty so critical, I strive to strengthen it with friends and family. We live in a skeptical, at times cruel age too. As with trust, kindness at times seems to be in short supply. As the world gets more skeptical, I think it is important to embrace kindness as a way to make difficult situations work. Kindness can also diffuse major problems and help those stressed out deal with situations better. Kindness also sets a person apart by saying they have the compassion to help others too; not just to be liked but to truly help them out. Self-reliance and the ability to make one's own way is the new reality. The sign markers of trust and kindness are the best to follow during these uncertain times.
