Social Media: A Perfect Filter on a Broken World

You can see it now. A young person who likes the outfit they are wearing posts a selfie for all the world to see. Most of their friends like it, “heart” it, and even leave a kind note to tell her how much they liked the photo. Some may even share it to show their friends. 

But then there’s the one. A distant follower, or maybe even a complete stranger. They take the time to write a disparaging comment below the photo simply for the fact that they enjoy “trolling” others. It’s a cowardly move, but nonetheless, damaging. 

The young lady is distraught. She now begins to second-guess how she looks and even contemplates removing the post despite the love and smiles she received from everyone else. Her whole demeanor in real life changes and her self-esteem plummets. All because of the untrue, hurtful comments made by someone with no real access or perspective in her life. 

This is a daily play-by-play of the harsh reality in social media. Young people and old present images and thoughts to the public and rely heavily on the often-immediate feedback they receive. Through a small, two-dimensional window, the world observes and judge others. Despite the connection and many positives that it brings us, social media has a detrimental way of dividing people and causing millions to live in unmerited shame and dysfunction. 

So, if it is so potentially damaging, why do we engage with it? Well, the answer is quite simple. Social media has been placed as an ubiquitous part of the average person’s daily life. It’s not a matter of if you’ll be exposed to it, for good or for bad, but when. So then our response to it is what really counts.

Embrace the Good and Avoid the Bad

At its genesis, social media was revolutionary. All of sudden, millions of people could now connect with others they had otherwise been too distant. Grandparents from up north were now following along in their grandchildren’s lives thousands of miles away. It was a beautiful intention. 

Yet, with every good things, typically bad byproducts can crop up. (See our opening story). This is why as users and consumers, we must prioritize the good and actively avoid the bad. 

In her 2023 article for the American Psychological Association, Kristen Weir explains that “The internet is at its best when it brings people together.” She then goes on to say that, “Online social interaction can promote healthy socialization among teens, especially when they’re experiencing stress or social isolation.” 

But, in the same breath, Ms. Weir also expresses the obvious pitfalls of such a powerful tool:

“Technology is designed to pull us in. Features like ‘like’ buttons, notifications, and videos that start playing automatically make it incredibly hard to step away. At the extreme, social media use can interfere with sleep, physical activity, schoolwork, and in-person social interactions” (2023). 

It’s vital that we place the right boundaries and restrictions on our social media usage. Take the good and embrace it and keep the bad parts at bay. 

The Power is Yours to Give

Like anything in life, we only lose power if we choose to give it away. As we navigate the choppy waters of social media, remember that you are in charge of your reactions, interactions, and actions in general. At the end of the day, we must safeguard our mental and emotional health. 

References:

Weir, K. (2023). Social media brings benefits and risks to teens. Psychology can help identify a path forward. Monitor on Psychology. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/09/protecting-teens-on-social-media