Social Media: a blunt reality check by former WNBA Player

We are in a time where technology and social media's run our life. Everyone is all about getting the latest and greatest social media app. There are so many apps out there to update our friends, family members, acquaintances, and strangers on.

Being able to tell or show them what you just ate, your current location, what you are doing, who is with you and so many other things. We share the latest drama or gossip, funny videos and articles with and without controversy. Nowadays, there is not really anything we do not share.

How many times do you look around and see kids always with a device of some sort; whether it is a tablet, iPad, iPhone, etc. at the age of 8 or possibly even younger?

When kids have those devices, it allows them to use and have a social media account. When you think about whom kids or people in general and others follow on social media, who normally does everyone follow?

Everyone follows their friends, acquaintances, family members, and most likely their favorite athletes or people he or she look up to. Those athletes could be either local or professional athletes. People are so willing to put things on their social media's and open up online; now it is just a matter of what is getting put online.

The thing that seems to be a trend is to tweet, Instagram, Facebook, Snap Chat, or whatever the newest and latest form of social media is out there, about what you are doing in the gym to get better.

My question is why do athletes feel the need to post about it while it is "happening"?

Why can't athletes just get in the gym or go to the field without having to tell people about it? Now this is not to be mistaken for posting about it after the workout has been completed or someone else taking a picture/video for you.

I am talking about the ones that are getting shots up and posting videos with the shooting gun in the background or filming the shooting gun firing at them and shooting. Now how in the world are you getting better holding your phone in one hand and shooting 15 footers with the other?

That does not seem like a way to get better or even become game-like. You not only get better on the court but off the court. The weight room is a vital tool for athletes to use and take advantage in. Many times you will see people using their phones or taking pictures of themselves in the mirrors with weights in the background, or in their hands.

Taking a "selfie" while working out is just telling people that you care about the wrong things. I'm sure you look adorable in your workout clothes and your muscles look really good in the lighting; however, I do not think people really care to see what the inside of the locker room or bathroom looks like.

Put the phone down or in your pocket so your music can still play (if that is what you do) and just get better. Not for other people; for yourself and your team.

I am in total support of athletes putting in work on their respective surfaces, but I just do not understand having to tell other people about it. Whatever happened to good old fashion work, where no social media was involved, and you just did the work? I love the quote by one of the greatest coaches John Wooden, "The true test of a man's character is what he does when no one is watching".

If you are getting better for yourself, you do not need anyone watching, or you do not need to tell people about it. If you are one of those players putting in the work and NOT telling everyone about it, good for you! Let your game do the talking and showing. If you show up improved, then no one will have to ask you about what you have been up to; he or she will just know.