In 2004 a young college student called Mark Zuckerberg teamed up with a few of
his Harvard buddies to create a way for college students to connect with each
other. Back then I don't think he could've envisioned what a life-changing
tool Facebook would become for millions of people around the world. Today, in
2020, millions of people use Facebook for hours every day - they check in with
friends, they scan their feeds, and they laugh at videos. But when they share
things about themselves how 'real' are they? How real are YOU?
People like to show their 'best self' when sharing on social media, whether
that's on Facebook or elsewhere, and sometimes that can be completely
different to their 'real self'. I've heard terms like 'show up as your most
authentic self' and it grates a little. Why on earth do we need to be reminded
to be authentic? Surely we do that just be being us - right?
How I am on Social Media
I'm a quiet, reserved person and I believe this is reflected on my social
media pages. On my personal Facebook I don't post often and when I do it tends
to be about parenting or writing - the two things that I spend the majority of
my time doing. On
Instagram my feed
is curated - like most users of Instagram. I select photos that represent
something I'd like to say and make sure it fits into my schedule of topics. At
the same time though I like the photos to show who I am or what I like so they
mainly contain coffee, my boys, and Walt Disney World.
Twitter is
slightly different in that I use it to connect with other writers. I post
occasionally and it's almost always about writing or promoting my writing. I
chat to other writers and help them promote their work too.
While some of my content is curated I'd like to think it represents me,
however there are some things I don't say.
What Happened To Free Speech On Social Media?
The problem with social media is if you happen to have an unpopular opinion
people aren't afraid to use
violent language
and even threats to tell you you're wrong. I have had friends who have deleted
social media accounts to get away from the barrage of insults they're
receiving over a post they made.
You're not allowed to have unpopular opinions anymore. Whether you're a
Brexiteer, a white person, or even just a man or a woman, you're not allowed
to state fundamental facts without being berated. People aren't afraid to
label you a racist, sexist, or transphobic just for saying what you think -
even if it isn't directed at those people.
The influence of social media is unbelievable. It's sad to see - it's a fake life that some people live.
Virgil van Dijk
You can happen to say the wrong thing or use the wrong term and suddenly
you're the worst person in the world.
Social Media - Both Wonderful And Terrible
Social media has been a wondrous thing. Over the years people have been able
to reconnect with old friends, rekindle past relationships, and even find
lost relatives. I've reconnected with people I went to school with and
neighbours who lived next door and it's lovely to say hello to long lost
friendships. Social media has the power to open up your world in amazing
ways and make you happier than you could imagine.
It also has the power to tear down and isolate. More than school bullies or
a single annoying person social media opens you up to a world of bullies who
aren't afraid to make you
fear for your life. Which is why I don't share many opinions on social media.
Be Real On Social Media
It's easy to say 'be real' but if by sharing opinions
you're attacked
that can only result in less people sharing honest opinions. We become a
community living in an echo chamber where we have our regulated views
repeated again and again, never hearing conflicting views and therefore
ignoring the fact there may be people with different ideas out there.
If everyone did that social media would be a much nicer place to hang out.
Yes, be real on social media - that's a good goal - but don't attack those
you disagree with. Hear what they're saying and come up with a reasoned
response for why you think they're wrong. If everyone did that social media
would be a much nicer place to hang out.
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