Don't fall victim to social media's distorted view of reality

Many have written about the disappearance of nuance in today’s world of “quick takes” and all-or-nothing social media standoffs. There’s no doubt the knee-jerk reactions and die-cast opinions we read daily online have a cumulative negative effect. They also create a distorted view of reality.

In his article “Why Everyone and Everything on Social Media Is Fake,” cognitive anthropologist Bob Deutsch writes, “While we can share the delectable stack of pancakes we had for breakfast, the highlights of last night’s party, our feet poolside on vacation … we’re sharing a simple chronicle that … can project an image of a life far better than the one we authentically experience.” Indeed, studies have connected heavy social media use with depression and anxiety, often linked with the fear of missing out.

Related: How brokers can use social media to prove their value

Many in our industry struggle with these same pitfalls, something thought leader and BenefitsPRO columnist Kevin Trokey watches closely. At the recent Q4i conference, he reminded attendees things are not always what they seem. “The heavens opened, angels are singing and there’s a white light of opportunity shining down on the industry.” But in the face of this optimism and innovation, he says, many have become convinced the industry has passed them by. “It’s easy to think these trends are taking place on a broader level than they are, to think every other advisor is putting every solution in place for every client every single day. But it just ain’t the case.”

The result of this misconception is panic, which leads to bad decisions and bad results. “I see advisors running out new solutions before they’re ready, before clients are ready or even before the market is ready. I hear from brokers so passionate and excited they’ve scared prospects and clients straight into the arms of more-traditional competitors.”

As Braden Monaco notes on page 8 of this month’s issue, he’s no stranger to this pressure. “Trying to catch up with the folks around the country who are doing reference-based pricing and self-funding is a challenge. A lot of employers have never even had the self-funding conversation. So there’s a roadmap to follow to get them where they’d like to be.” This measured approach and realistic plan mirrors Trokey’s recommendations for success in the new reality.

As Deutsch writes, social media “doesn’t support deeper interactions that reflect more naturally occurring conversations. And it’s missing an important component: storytelling. Narrative is the sinew of life; it gives context and depth to the information we share.”

Context and depth. Sounds pretty refreshing, doesn’t it? Let’s keep the (honest) conversation going.