Despite how often we try to copy trends like '90s T-shirts, '60s psychedelic music and Roaring '20s parties, every decade that preceded the 21st century had one thing we will never be able to experience again: an absence of social media. While technology has done wonders for the world in terms of health, education, economics, overseas contact, space travel and so many other important aspects of human life, it has also taken away a great deal of freedom.
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. are great for keeping in touch with family and old friends and getting a (very) small idea of what is going on in other parts of the world. For example, my aunt started a Facebook page for the descendants of our family’s Irish ancestors so we can meet long-lost cousins, update each other on births and deaths in the family, or recently discovered ties to family members we have yet to meet. It’s fascinating when you learn that you are related to a boy who was in your first-year Writer’s Seminar, but incredibly scary at the same time. And we cannot ignore the disconnect that comes with sharing news on social media. Words of another person are so much more genuine when they are coming from that person’s mouth rather than inside your own head, and this is how dangerous misinterpretations happen.
There are times when I love social media; there are times when I want to share what I’m doing with my friends and get likes on a status update or picture for my own satisfaction. I love taking pictures, and sharing them with friends and even strangers feels good. Attempting to be trendy makes me feel like I’m doing something right (even when I know I have very little control over the events in my life). Unfortunately, not only is this behavior incredibly narcissistic, but despite how often people argue against this point, it often limits one’s freedom to appreciate a special moment in time, especially while thinking of “creative” captions. Social media masks reality; despite whether or not you are speaking from the heart online, everyone else is going to have a different opinion. The sad thing is, most people do realize how damaging social media can be to a person’s behavior and thoughts (especially of themselves and other people), but we cannot seem to escape its harmful bounds.
Social media seems fun and innocent, and at times it really is, but our constant comparisons to other people's’ lives have led to horrible issues like cyber bullying, eating disorders, depression, suicide and even simple(r) problems, such as misinterpreting messages that put a strain on friendships and relationships. Social media has also led to more and more conformity throughout the world; those who have access to Instagram and Facebook want to apply certain popular (especially Western) trends to their lifestyles, like “eyebrows on fleek,” “Kylie lips,” Longchamp bags and Adidas sneakers. This isn’t to say these trends are bad, but because they are so popular, they don’t say much about one’s personality, background, or even personal style. These are no longer local trends in the United States — they are global trends, and different cultures are rapidly conforming.
These issues lead me to wonder why I am still so dependent on my social media accounts. There are several reasons why I and so many others put up with the madness that revolves around social media. First, we want to keep in touch with family and friends (especially after moving or graduation). Second, social media is all about self-promotion. Whether you are an artist, athlete, scientist, musician, writer, stage performer or beard stylist, social media is a way to gain supporters who help develop your business and encourage you to keep doing what you do best. Third, it builds a reputation and emphasizes your personality. Have you ever noticed how your coworkers’ Facebook profiles are just heightened and extreme showcases of their strongest personality traits? Finally, and most importantly, I am certain that without Facebook, I would miss almost every fun event, required meeting and casual reunion ever. From work to road trips to school clubs, everything has a Facebook page with essential information that requires you to stay updated. I can almost certainly say that without these pages, I probably wouldn’t have a good roommate, I would show to cancelled meetings and practices, I would miss the dress-down memo and I’d forget my best friend’s birthday.
Because of these reasons, social media has trapped us into an inescapable world of non-genuine likes and congratulatory comments, unwanted messages and friend requests from people you thought you’d be able to avoid for the rest of your life, and ego-shattering comparisons. Getting rid of and staying away from social media is an extremely difficult thing to do, and I applaud the people who successfully live in the moment without ties to the Internet.
