The thing that supposedly connects us together in fact is the thing that drives us apart. What I am talking about? Social media.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my social media. I'm on several social media sites, and I spend a fair amount of time during the week on them. But, after watching this video clip and making some self-reflections on my social media habits I've come to the realization that social media creates a false sense of connections. How does it do this?
- Self-Focused/Narcissistic Status Updates: Connection between people typically happens best when two people reciprocate relational interest. What does that mean? One person take a risk and reaches out socially to another, and that person in turn, reciprocates. Status updates have little to do with reaching out to another person. It is possible to leave a message on another person's page, but I rarely see this happen.
- Oversharing: Sharing overly dramatic aspects of one's life in order to get attention. In other words, a serious lack of etiquette and filter. These people are usually insecure and don't know how to get connection with other people so they create an attraction to draw people in.
- Bullying: People say and do things on the internet that they most likely would not say in real life. Why? The internet provides a degree of anonymity and a loss of person-hood. You can say things to an object or avatar that you would feel bad about saying to a sentient being who thinks and feels the same as you.
A further illustration and fascinating look at technologically created loneliness! Check out the link below:
http://www.upworthy.com/loneliness-illustrated-so-beautifully-you-will-need-to-tell-someone?c=ufb1
All that to say, social media is a great thing, but please, do not let it replace real life relationships. Use social media, but use it responsibly!
