social media noise Archives

Posted on January 26, 2025 by TonyFebruary 10, 2025

Rage bait, lots of hate, many saying they can’t wait

The system that runs X.com (formerly known as Twitter) acknowledges an increase in “Rage Bait” posts there. Here’s what they say: “There’s a noticeable presence of posts designed to incite anger or controversy, often referred to as “rage bait,” which can lead to negative interactions and a less enjoyable platform experience.”

Wow. People create “Rage bait” posts on X just to make people mad.

I wouldn’t have thought anyone, since people are “basically good” would ever do such a thing. Especially since all that kind of behavior can do is increase engagement in the form of likes, retweets, comments, or shares. Of course, I share that last thought as facetious tongue-in-cheek humor.

And evidently rage bait posts have these characteristics:

Provocative Statements: Content that is deliberately controversial, often involving sensitive topics like politics, religion, race, or identity.
Misleading or Exaggerated Headlines: Headlines or titles that are sensationalized or do not accurately reflect the content of the post to draw clicks.
Outrageous Claims: Statements or assertions that are so extreme they are bound to provoke disagreement or anger.
Selective Information: Presenting only part of the story or facts in a way that is misleading or biased to stir up anger or debate.

So, there are lots of people (and their digital robots, aka: bots) who have nothing better to do than to stir up trouble. Who’d’ve thunk it? Actually I’ll tell you who’d’ve thunk it in just a minute or two. First, here’s why the X system thinks those knuckleheads do all that rage baiting. And why it’s a problem.

They say it’s because it leads to:

Polarization: Such posts can deepen divides by inciting arguments, misinformation, and misunderstanding among users.
Decreased Quality of Discourse: The focus shifts from constructive dialogue to heated debates or personal attacks, degrading the quality of interaction on the platform.
User Fatigue: Constant exposure to anger-inducing content can lead to user fatigue, where individuals might disengage from the platform or become more cynical about online interactions.
Manipulation of Engagement Metrics: Since platforms often prioritize content with high engagement, rage bait can manipulate these metrics, leading to an algorithmically favored environment of controversy over substantive discussion

But I say it’s actually part of the worldwide rebellion against the one, true, living, loving Creator of Heaven and Earth. Yep. And God predicted that people would get this rage-baiting way. In fact, He inspired Paul to write about the kind of perilous times we see these days. Paul wrote:

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God…”

(side note: keep in mind, the “last days” could last longer than you might think, or there might only be a few more)

So.

Another one of the many times God predicts how awful we’ll be.

And we live down to His expectations. Because of how easily and quickly that can happen, here’s what I suggest. When you go on social media, be salt and light. Don’t be a fish. Don’t take the rage bait. Find ways to show love for your Creator and your neighbor. Not love for self or money. And get out of the U.N. Oops, I mean take the un off unthankful, unholy, and unloving (actually I mean both, but that’s for another time).

Put up some sage bait.
Skip the brainless rage bait.
Show the world the reason we exist.
You’ll need some wisdom.
Go and get yourself some,
So, when you see the bait, you can resist.

Then, take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. When you do, I’ll send you links to 2 songs and 2 books that adults AND kids enjoy right away. Then, I’ll send you flashes of light from the faith, hope, and the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

Posted on December 7, 2023 by TonyDecember 7, 2023

Social media connection took another direction

The irony of the so-called social media connection idea is how much more disconnected we are these days. And don’t try to defend your dozens of daily posts as how connected you are. Because that’s a fading facade.

Social media connection is mostly a digital soliloquy.

Sure, you can “reach out” and get in touch with someone, in a hurry, if you need or want to. And you can “friend” people you haven’t seen in decades. But the actual human connection just ain’t there.

My childhood came at a time, in America, when social connection was literally palpable. Here are some synonyms for palpable, right out of the dictionary, that illustrate what I mean:

visible,
observable,
recognizable,
unmistakable,
obvious

When I was a kid, you know what you’d see in every neighborhood in town? Kids! Playing in the yard, in the neighbor’s yard, in the street. Or doing their “chores.” Like mowing the lawn. Feeding the dog. Cleaning the garage. And it wasn’t just the kids out there “in the ‘hood.”

Adults were out there, walking around the block, and having conversations with friends and other neighbors. Yeah! I saw it with my own eyes. So, I know it’s true.

And I remember being told we had to “come inside when it gets dark.” And kids would debate parents on the definition of darkness in order to stay outside “just a few more minutes.”

But now, you can walk for blocks, in most neighborhoods, and not see a single kid outside. Or adults either, for that matter. And you can literally pass someone on a sidewalk without as much as a simple “Hello.” And a lot of times that’s because their eyes are looking down at their device.

Texts and social media posts are now preferred over actual human connections.

And “self” is the focus. I don’t know this for a fact. But it wouldn’t surprise me to find out how more selfies are taken on smartphone cameras than anything else. Well, except for food maybe. But that’s another disconnect I can talk about some other time.

The social media connection, disconnect, reminded me of a song I wrote during my songwriter year in Nashville. It’s about how people get so busy and focused on “getting somewhere” that they disconnect from others who care about them. And it recommends not putting off time with those you care about. Because, in case you don’t already know, humans die. And then it’s too late to build, mend, or maintain relationships.

Then, your only hope of ever having that connection again is when you meet in the metaphorical…

Angel Café

I watched as your world got so busy.
I felt all the edges get rough.
And I know you just want a secure life.
But, I ask, is it ever enough?
Is it worth just what it may cost you?
Are you willing to pay off the fine?
Just be wary of what you neglect here.
That’s my own bottom line.

Well time flies away.
Don’t put off who you should get to today.
Time flies away.
Don’t you wait till we meet in the angel café.
Don’t you wait till we meet in the angel café.

(one verse and chorus from the song)

Tons more of my words and music are available on Amazon. And there’s still time before Christmas…

(https://www.amazon.com/stores/Tony-Funderburk/author/B008R08LUG/allbooks)

Stay tuned,

Posted on July 10, 2023 by TonyJuly 30, 2023

Social media noise from all the girls and boys

It’s mostly just social media noise. And not actual conversation. Oh sure, I suppose if you grew up in a home where everyone yelled at each other at the same time, and called it conversation, social media seems just fine with you.

But for those who prefer meaningful dialogue, it’s just social media noise.

And I know that even the best communication can get noisy sometimes. But it shouldn’t stoop to the profanity and vulgarity you can find on most all social media platforms with even half a glance.

I talked about this same thing over 10 years ago. And the points I made are truer now than ever. I said this:

The trouble I see with online social media tools is they too often become a soapbox, a bully pulpit, a digital megaphone. And the message too often becomes argumentative, pointless, and in the long run directionless. This phenomenon doesn’t play favorites with nobody’s and has-been’s.

No, it readily affects the rich and famous, the political, the powerful, the pundits. It binds the bold and beautiful people. It needles the nerds. And it frequents the freaks.

Why?

Well, think about it. Isn’t it more fun to sit at your computer (like I am now) or smartphone or tablet and say whatever you want without having to listen to someone butt in with their rant or their rave? I mean, c’mon. Who wants to actually listen anymore. If people really wanted to listen, they might use their phones to talk with other people. Instead, they text, play games, and watch videos.

But back to the main point.

Social media noise happens because people prefer to talk. Or, in many cases, that should be rant. But either way, the sound of their own voice is much more appealing than listening to others. Of course, it’s difficult to listen to others when they regurgitate the party line. Or they insist the world is flat. Or that vaccines are for your health.

Anyway…

I’ve never preferred “media” over actual person-to-person interaction. And, by interaction, I mean where everyone involved gets to speak, listen, and learn.

I love media as much as the next person, and more than most. In fact, I use some form of media every day. But the real “social” part is mostly gone now. That part we used to call “visiting with friends.”

Yeah, I know a FaceTime call can give you some, well, face time. But it ain’t the same as breaking bread (or slicing grass fed beef these days) with someone in person. There’s just no digital substitution for that.

Well, the glow of the sun is starting to show at the horizon. So, time to get some work done before I go see how much the social media noise is cranking up today.

Your sense of humor doesn’t make a bit of sense to me
And your rebuttals; well they’ll only get you sympathy
You don’t play fair, but I don’t care
You ain’t got nothin’ over me!
You’ve got a problem with your social and emotional
You think you read me, but your literate ain’t functional
And you’re no sage so act your age
You ain’t got nothin’ over me!

(from my song Ain’t Got Nothin’ Over Me)

Jump on the The TRUTH (regular emails with my rather poetic perspective on life and truth) AND I’ll send you some music and other good stuff.

Stay tuned,