I remember when Facebook was just getting started and it seemingly was a game changer from the other social media outlets. It connected us differently, sharing pics and thoughts, checking in and tagging friends. It took the best features from other platforms and combined them into one. I didn’t join Facebook right away as the majority of my friends did. Wasn’t really into the platforms then at all…eventually I caved.
I really loved Facebook when it started. Getting to connect with extended family and former class mates, ex co workers and making new connections. Seeing the day to day of others and a peek into the lives of so many. Very quickly, things got to be too much for me…people ‘checking in’ to their kitchens and detailing every moment of their lives. That’s ok for them, but it did make me concerned a bit about what they are now needing from it. What’s the why of it?
I remember going to a high school reunion. “Hey great to see you! What are you up to?!” “Oh, you know, you see on Facebook.” And it was true. We all seemed to know something about everyone from what they shared on Facebook.
I built my business on Facebook. Several people have. Small businesses, tier businesses, start ups, fund raisers, the list of great things social media has created is long for sure. Even true love and reconnection of families, missing persons, crime solving…all amazing and wonderful things that were made possible through social media.
More social media platforms emerged. Facebook kept changing for different reasons, now as we know it’s even controlling what you share and who sees it. LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok… and trolls.
Some people will make it their mission to hide behind a key board and blast strangers for their opinions and beliefs. They are a nasty bunch. They are known for it, and they are called trolls for a reason.
However, now, the average person, someone you most likely know, now feels it ok to disagree with someone over social media and go right for the jugular. Most times, at least, they use their own profile so you can see who’s commenting, but it’s the degree of nastiness in the commenting. Why do we feel it’s ok to get so nasty over something that most likely doesn’t even affect them? If we were face to face, would you speak so vehemently? Most likely not. So why is it ok to do so through typing?
If you don’t agree, that’s ok. But why not take the time to get to know their ‘why’ as opposed to just going after them on blast and screaming why they’re wrong? Everything from politics to speed limits, how things are done in town to what you listen to on the radio is criticized and demeaned. Sexual orientation to parenting skills. And why does it matter to you or them?
After 9/11, remember how the world came together? People stopped to help each other. People shared flags with each other. People asked, “how are you?” with eye contact and meant it. Somewhere, we lost that traction and took a back slide. Recently with the pandemic, people are fighting over toilet paper and stealing food from each others carts. Whats happened and how have we become so desensitized? How can we come back from it?
I’m witnessing adults putting their self worth into ‘likes’. Posting pic after pic of themselves and getting a high from the views and support. This is starting with kids, teens, and we have had these same people remove photos because it didn’t generate a lot of action. Filter after filter being used to improve their image…how does anyone keep up with this and still have some self esteem? It’s as if it’s not posted on their social media then it must not have happened… what are we creating? What are we communicating? How do we stop it?!
I’m so scared for the future.
I’m sure some people will tell me I’m being a ‘Karen’ over this.
Gym Girl Dana 