In a world that is supposedly ‘connected’ due to its interlinked and instant connections around the globe, why do we keep wondering the same thing and questioning our life choices?
Social media aim to give the illusion that any person no matter what their background is (social status, demographics, etc.), are connected to each other. A concept built around strategic posting mechanisms aimed to get liked or followed by strangers is what has shaped this false reality. Is it possible to create a genuine connection with someone based on their profile on social media? How are we able to distinguish false perceptions from a truthful reality?
Truth to be told, liking an individual post doesn’t automatically result in a connection. The value of a real-life conversation where you can feel the other’s emotions is irreplaceable regardless of the multitude of social media presence in our lifestyle.
This is a topic that has raised many concerns among youths and their perception of life. As many influencers claim to live their best life on social media, this brings a new level of pressure on youths as they aspire to live out their dreams. The constant aim in living up to the ‘expectations’ as created on social media leaves an impact both in the short and long term. Comparing personal lifestyle to influencer lifestyle can bring upon the fear of missing out (also known as FOMO), which could possibly be the result of incoming trends. This state of vulnerability effectively has an impact in the longer run as it may trigger loneliness and low self-esteem.
In this context it’s important to highlight that not all social media have a negative impact. These international platforms act as a means for people to share their interests and struggles. The incorporation of groups and communities has opened up an opportunity for these individuals to feel valued and surrounded by ongoing support. However, one important question still stand – are we connecting or are we consuming?
The key approach to address this is by emphasizing the way we use social media. The important role of control: through limited screen time, reaching out for support, and following online creators that have similar values will help youths convert the negative burden of social media into a positive one.