When I was younger I sometimes did something wrong that would get me in trouble with my parents. I wasn't always sent to my room or even grounded. After being corrected on my bad behavior I had to go about my day, maybe I would  isolate myself in my room pouting because of what I perceived as being unfair treatment, or a bit later I would talk to a friend about it. Either way I had some time with my own thoughts. I had time to sift through and reflect on what I had done that caused me to get in trouble.

Today I see teenagers, especially my SD16 always connected to social media. In my house technology is not restricted in any way when it comes to SD16. Its an area I have no power and I won't get into it more than that because that would be a different post. What I do see is after a teenager has been lectured for bad behavior they are right back on social media. They aren't reflecting and processing their own actions. They are posting how unfairly they've been treated. I know many of us felt the same when we were in that situation but what we didn't have back then and what many do now is the ability to immediately get countless people to agree with us and sympathize with us. How can the process of learning from mistakes and developing character begin when there isn't a chance to sit and "think about what you did"?

I'm sure there's probably a lot more to teens and social media than this. I only wish that after my own SD has done something hurtful,  she had some time to think about what she had done. Instead she gets immediate satisfaction hearing from others that her inappropriate behavior was absolutely justified. I'm not seeing the opportunity for personal growth in this situation. I'm not seeing the beneficial feeling of remorse that is crucial to becoming a person who cares about others.