Social Media and where's it going?

Interesting points from a programme last night about how social media affects the younger generation and their mental wellbeing.

For most of us, we have learned to incorporate Social Media into our lives, but only as a tool to establish communication with friends' and old connections, keeping up to date with friends activities and sharing photographs, it’s not taken over our lives. It hasn’t distracted us from what is really important.

For the younger generation who doesn’t know what life is like without social media is another matter, they’re born into the world where it has become a big part of their daily routine, spending hours on it each day. I’m trying not to make myself sound old here, but there is a difference of what is seen to be a fair or reasonable usage of these applications in each of our lives, before it starts to take over and affect us mentally, especially for the young.

The documentary I saw last night reported the concern that young people strive to be liked and feel popular, they use it as a platform to boost their popularity, but it can also cause the opposite to happen, bullying has been an issue on this type of media for some time. The way they look is important to them, the poses they use in their selfies, the competitiveness of being unique and standing out above everybody else, this can have a negative effect and not help their self-esteem, it’s important that they learn to like themselves and not let others influence them or change them into somebody they’re not. The other topic is when individuals post personal information to their followers/connections not realising the impact it might have, some things should stay private, but that’s a whole different topic affecting all ages.

Technology is great, but just like many media devices and applications, a fair usage policy should apply to all. However much it can be addictive with the new developments and gimmicks on the web, it shouldn’t take over our lives. We should remember what is really important in our daily and weekly activities. Although we’re leading into a world of virtual reality which will create a host of other challenges (now that’s a whole different story), we do have the opportunity to control and discipline ourselves now.

I still like social media, it’s a great way for individuals and companies to reach out to friends, connections and customers, but let’s just keep an eye on our usage. Let’s just avoid it ruling our lives.

We’re the ultimate partners in crime; clearly I’m the one in red and blue. Kapow! © Mark Ovens

We’re the ultimate partners in crime; clearly I’m the one in red and blue. Kapow! © Mark Ovens, Norwich, Norfolk, England, UK. I love a good picture!

Anniversary celebrations!

The time has just flown by…and may we have many many more! Did I believe it would happen? Well I did start to lose faith in relationships, but after meeting this person, my view and perception had changed, after a very long stretch my positivity had been restored. This person has a very similar outlook in life to me, has an adventurous spirit and actually is the ying to my yang, it could only go one way. She’s beautiful inside and out.

What a treat; the shades have been out again! © Mark Ovens

What a treat; the shades have been out again! © Mark Ovens, Norwich, Norfolk, England, UK. I love a good picture!

Viewing life from a new perspective

It’s strange how when time goes by we start to look at things differently; the things that didn’t matter so much in the past suddenly become relevant, the things that bothered us back then seem so unimportant. They say we grow wiser the older we become, but unfortunately it all comes at a price.

The challenges in our health and appearance with the slowdown of our metabolism occurs, the aging lines upon our faces that become increasingly visible as time passes, the change in the colour of our hair that turns our status and categorisation within society to the new label of ‘the older generation’. Can life be so hard?

The one thing that does remain is the ability to appreciate the simple things in life, keeping active and making the most of the free time we have available, regardless of the increasing need for discipline to achieve this. The quality of our relationships improves, along with the decisions we make in life getting better. The consistent urge to explore with our partners is more recognisable and true.

The fact remains, that we all do improve with age, no matter what the side effects may be. We will create new adventures and experiences that haven’t been discovered before. You truly do make the most of each day and appreciate the time with the ones you cherish. Live it, enjoy it!

I fancy a brew, where’s Polly when you need her!? © Mark Ovens

I fancy a brew, where’s Polly when you need her!? © Mark Ovens, Norwich, Norfolk, England, UK. I love a good picture!

Do I know you in this part of your universe?

Do you really know someone? We all have a work and personal life, for most people we act very differently within each of these environments. In our personal life we are able to let ourselves go and not feel as though we have any restraints. For work, is it because we are contractually obligated to fulfil a role that we act in a way that is expected of us!? Not many people mix the two. Are we seeing these people for who they really are?

Nowadays, it seems that most people have more than just the two personas. For example, many people have an online persona which is easier to control and manage, we can contemplate the topics that we post about ourselves, we would post the good stuff, right!? I certainly don’t think anybody would want to read the negative moments, although the odd one would add some realism to what is published from time to time. It allows others to see, watch and read our digital footprints for themselves.

This particular skill from the virtual world is rubbing off on the way we are in the real world. Our universes are becoming more complex. Is it just evolution, or is it also possible that some individuals could suffer from split personalities or some form of a personality disorder in the future. There is so much more of a focus on how we are perceived from each of these different viewpoints. It all seemed a lot more simpler before mobile phones and the internet.

We all act quite differently when it comes to family, personal life, at work and even our digital selves…which part of your universe are you in today!?

Like father like daughter; the geeks day out! I didn’t even know what she had planned to wear! © Mark Ovens

Like father like daughter; the geeks day out! I didn’t even know what she had planned to wear! © Mark Ovens, Norwich, Norfolk, England, UK. I love a good picture!

Feeling like king of the castle! At Tattershall Castle in Lincolnshire! © Mark Ovens

Feeling like king of the castle! At Tattershall Castle in Lincolnshire! © Mark Ovens, Norwich, Norfolk, England, UK. I love a good picture!

Ode to my perfect little 'towel folder & bed maker'!

"More recently I consider myself lucky too, after a notable period of time with you, my feelings have grown and have been sweetly nurtured by your understanding and caring nature. I like it that my feelings are reciprocated, and although I realise that I might not be so verbal in how I feel compared to you, which I know at times disappoints you; but I can assure you, I do feel them. Nevertheless, you have accepted me for how I am, my quirkiness and my condition. The bond between us is continuously growing stronger, which is all very clear and welcoming, it’s becoming an integral part of my inner being, hard coded into my soul. My feelings for you are running ever deeper as each day passes, refining and cleansing my soul along with your acceptance and soothing qualities that wash over me. It releases an emotional state that I had locked away and suppressed for so long, which is now progressively propagating inside me. You may have thought it was you who needed the hand-holding, but actually, it was me who needed saving. Your sweetness has made all the difference to me; bringing my spirit back to life."

Ok, maybe the fasting isn’t going as well as planned!? © Mark Ovens

Ok, maybe the fasting isn’t going as well as planned!? © Mark Ovens, Norwich, Norfolk, England, UK. I love a good photograph!

Unexplained events, science and the universe

Haven’t you ever wondered what goes on outside our lives, our country, our world or even the universe? Unexplained events like the Malaysia Airlines’ missing airplane leads you to think of other potential reasons outside of the usual possibilities! It raises the question of how these things could happen!? Why people or objects have gone missing due to the possible Bermuda Triangle (supposedly); anomalies that could occur in time and space, why Black Holes like Worm Holes can happen, and how or why they could be portals to a completely different time, the past or even the future, that’s if we could even get through them (or reach them) without being crushed as scientists have so far explained and/or speculated.

There are so many things that the human race has yet to fathom or explain. So why couldn’t these bizarre, extraordinary anomalies happen on our planet!? In my mind they can! Ghost are unexplained, they could be reflections of people from another time, a ripple or shock wave that could occur for no apparent reason sending these faint images to a specific location through time.

I find the whole topic fascinating, maybe some real true and genuine events can one day be proven and allow us to learn more about this unparalleled science! It makes you think, doesn’t it!?

The differences in the generations!

It’s amazing the differences between the generations. Being from Generation X, I’ve been brought up in the outdoors, experienced the freedom and ventured beyond the four walls, only when PC/computers were introduced into the workplace that I invested in the hardware myself. I grew up with creating basic websites and even when search engines first came about, I grew and evolved with the online technology. For me, this first became a hobby, it was new technology and toys to play with, incorporating it into the years of experience I had already gained in marketing! Now it’s the norm, as it’s what I do.

Currently, with Generation Z, I wonder if it’s completely the reverse, technology is something they grow up with, especially in the way they communicate. It’s the outdoors that has become a hobby/novelty, is this really the case? I’ve noticed that the mention of ‘love’ and hugging has become commonly expressive with the young. I certainly didn’t notice this with Generation Y, they’re the complete opposite, and don’t let me me get started on the Baby Boomers!

I’m wondering whether social media and the ‘sharing’ mentality has caused this character trait within the Gen Z’s, not only do they do this online but this trait is leaking out into their reality. Perhaps some good can come out of it!? Although of course, too much sharing can sometimes be a bad thing! At times, I’ve noticed too much personal information being shared with their friends, family, acquaintances and even work colleagues, which is something you wouldn’t do in reality! Private should be private, not shared. Some of this also applies to the later Gen Y’s. There appears to be no middle ground with this generation and they don’t even realise or comprehend their actions. So with that, as well as being so reliant on the hand held devices, the way we use this tech is changing, I mean how many young people can cope without their smartphone for just 5 minutes? Ok, a slight exaggeration, but you know what I mean!?

The concerning matter for me, is when you hear about young people feeling the need to sleep with their mobile device, the FOMO syndrome (fear of missing out) has a big part to play, feeling the need to always stay in contact. How reliant and obsessive will this generation become with their tech. The interesting thing is, is that there are signs that it’s no longer a novelty, it’s the norm for them, and they are now more curious about doing outdoor activities! Maybe it will go full circle and they will become more interested in the outdoors again!?

So what will happen with wristband tech and virtual reality simulators. I guess time will only tell with that one! How will the next generation cope with that, what will be the norm and what will be a novelty? Exciting times ahead, maybe!?

A fab session of snowboarding on the dry slopes at Trowse, Norwich. Loved it!

A fab session of snowboarding on the dry slopes at Trowse, Norwich. Loved it! >> © A picture by Mark Ovens

The end of year thinking!

When it gets to the end of the year, it always gives me the opportunity to look back on the last 12 months, but to also look forward to the challenges that have been set for the new year.

In regards to relationships, it’s interesting to see those who have entered my life and those who have passed through it; the most important thing is those that have chosen to stay and have wanted to be a part of my world, however different or obscure my world may seem to others!

It’s a reminder that we all have a role to play in each other’s lives and it can differ at various stages of that journey we all take through life, whether we’re a crutch to support those in need or even an inspiration to those who require the encouragement and excitement. In some cases our role maybe to help complete a specific individual, complementing their characteristics, fine tuning their drive and focus, fulfilling a need or desire to motivate and enhance ones vision, along with the feelings we all have of being wanted and accepted! I also have my own desires and needs, but one day it might be me needing a similar level of support or stimulus. It’s very clear that we all strive to be happy and focus on sustaining that feeling indefinitely.

There is no secret in finding the right people to surround us in our own unique world, but one thing is for sure, if you find those special people, ensure you appreciate and be grateful that they have chosen to be there. Life has a funny way of shaking things up from time to time, so when they occur, who knows what or who may change. Enjoy it whilst you can, as you don’t know what changes lay in wait, however good or challenging they may be!

My contribution to a little creative flare! Picture taken at Wymondham Abbey, Norwich

My contribution to a little creative flare! Picture taken at Wymondham Abbey, Norwich :) >> © Picture taken by Mark Ovens

It’s always good to instigate reflective practices every now and then!

I’m feeling a little bit inward this evening, reflecting on recent events and resting from my achy muscles; some real thought provoking moments! This is a good thing, as when I’m in this state of mind, it allows me the time to instigate reflective practices to ensure I’m not bulldozing through life without any concern for others, it makes me think about how my actions and personas might impact on others.

This is an exercise that everybody should undertake every now and then, it will benefit all of us with this thinking, rather than having the ‘I don’t care what other people think’ attitude and mentality, there has to be at least some middle ground.

It does seem like empathy and mindfulness is a little lacking in the world in more recent years; lets hope society and cultures will change in time to make us a more considerate race of humans again!

How do you like your steak cooked!?

I have to say I have always liked my steak cooked very rare, I can’t help but like it juicy and bloody! Just recently I was at a very nice restaurant where we decided to order steak. We advised the waiter of our preferences, but when the main courses arrived it was unfortunate that there had been a bit of a mix up, it seemed that mine had been over cooked. They did cook me another steak but this time it was cooked ‘blue’, it was delivered to the table within minutes but I was happy to accept it and give it a try.

It was surprisingly not as raw as I thought it was going to be, except for the inside of course, I was just so surprised that it didn’t leap from the plate and run off…! Even so, I must admit I did enjoy it, but I think I prefer it cooked just that little bit more so that it’s juicy and bloody just the way I like it.

I was so glad I tried it though as it was still very tasty, it wouldn’t bother me having it ‘blue’ again! It’s always good to try new things however off putting it might seem to begin with!

Some like me…and some don’t…!

Some like me, and some don’t; that’s not a bad thing, right!? The formula between two entities has to work, doesn’t matter whether its between two people or whether it’s sitting in front of representatives of a business. I have always found that I’m looking for that zing, the signals from an entity that offers the right cultural characteristics that helps make me function correctly, even down to whether we share the same objectives and outlook on life.

These fundamentals have a big impact on how I perform and behave, just like I look for people to engage with me and not expect me to do all the talking, I like the brain picking philosophy! It’s a two-way thing, right!?