There are two kinds of social media users: one who goes on with a “look at me!” perspective, and one who goes on with a “let’s connect” perspective. Social media was made for the latter. This doesn’t mean you can’t share your work with others online. This just means you shouldn’t use likes and comments as validation for yourself. Aim to connect instead. via

I wholeheartedly agree with this quote. I have a weird relationship with social media. I’m a communicator, I’m expressive, and I like to connect. Social media is a prime vehicle for such personality traits, right? Yes. But I’m also a lover of simplicity, of getting away from civilization to enjoy the peace of nature, and of quality face-to-face relationship. I am in charge of my company’s social media accounts, so I’m learned and active in the world of it; but then I seasonally will delete the apps from my phone because I’m burned out, or bored, or just tired. Sounds extreme, doesn’t it? To be honest, I wrestle with it a good bit.

What are my intentions with being on this platform? Why do I want to share this with the world? Questions like these are almost always buzzing around my mind.

I’ve been thinking of choosing one to be active on, and one to quiet down. My reason for having Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook accounts is for my own expression — to share stories, fun moments, inspirational words, biblical truth, photos. I can honestly say I do not publish a tweet or a photo with the hope I get X amount of likes. My presence there is to connect with friends, to share experiences, to follow creative designers & authors I admire, and to be a reflection of Jesus to a struggling world.

“When we’re not consumed with what’s in front of us we can be there for who’s around us.” via

My desire to choose one is rooted in wanting to limit screen time. To eliminate the pressure to keep up with all of them. I would like to pick one and be as expressive as I want, feel free as a bird, and not feel overwhelmed. Make sense?

Hence the Twitter versus Instagram post title.

Twitter

Better for sharing short quotes or thoughts. Don’t have to come up with a photograph per post. Interacting with other users is like a conversation, which is nice. Can access and publish from any device. Can include multiple photos in one post. Can retweet other informative or cool sharings by other people.

Instagram

I’m passionate about photography, and Insta is the better place for that I think. Not an overwhelming interface. A fun challenge to look for photographs that may match a quote I want to share. Can make a collage to share more than one photo. There’s not really a ‘retweet’ equivalent.

Hmm… still mulling it over. Do you have a favorite platform? Why is it your favorite?