Why We Share

Every minute there are over 3,000,000 pieces of content posted online via social media. That’s doesn’t even include texts or emails like this one.

Most people keep what they see to themselves.  Only 18% of people share more than one piece of content a day.

When we do share content, the number one reason is to entertain our friends (insert cat video joke here).  Conversely, only 13% of people share something for the purposes of making their friends “feel something.”

With that as context, I hope that against these odds, you will both watch my recent TEDx talk and share it. At the same time, I will understand if you do neither.

I write these posts and share this talk because I truly believe that the act of reflecting on our lives can improve them – and those around us.  I’ve been moved when I receive notes from people saying that they have done just that.

Yet I often get caught in the ego trap of trying to measure their value through the numbers of opens, clicks and shares.

Case in point. Recently I was feeling pangs of disappointment that my TEDx talk didn’t break the Internet within the first hour. Then I received a message from a high school friend who I hadn’t spoken to in twenty years but had just watched the video. 

She wrote, “My heart is so happy. You’ve given me so much to think about and share with others.”

If not one more person views this talk, I can feel satisfied.

Yet, I hope so many more get the chance to feel the same way she did.

Please watch and share.

Thank you,

Bob

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