How social media can be both disturbing and entertaining
August 29, 2023
(Don’t worry, this post is NOT all doom and gloom, so keep reading!)
Social media grew over the years to become a big part of my life. It’s a way I connect with others, how I share myself, how I see what’s going on in the world around me.
But. I’ve reached the sad conclusion that constant use of social media is NOT good for society or for us. Oh sure, there are some positives to keeping us connected. But also far too many not-so-benign uses.
We already know how serious misinformation spreads like wildfire on social channels: about the country, politics, covid and so many other things. We know that social media were used to plot insurrections. To live stream shootings. Social media can be toxic in a big way.
And then, there’s the just-plain-disturbing stuff we see every day.
I can appreciate that you want to fully feel your grief at your stillborn child–but to be honest, I do not want to see photos of your dead child on my feed. Or ever.. Not full-term and not a partly formed fetus. This is just not appropriate social media content. If your friends list was simply close family, perhaps that would be okay, I don’t know. But it is not okay with me, someone who may know you only via social media. Seriously inappropriate IMO.
Nor do I want to see graphic photos of dead pets, abused animals, etc. I’ve been involved in animal welfare my entire adult life and know only too well what can happen. You do not have to show me. I don’t want to see it. And it does nothing to change the minds of people who do not understand or care about animal cruelty.
If I see another makeup tutorial, I am going to scream. People showing us how to contour using Xes, curves, colors, strange symbols–it is absolutely crazy and just a bid for views. Especially if it is a “getting ready” video. Which is a thing.
If I see one more person post one of those common hoaxes, like “You can increase the number of people who see your feed by pressing XYZ and posting this on your feed.” You’ll recognize them by the line “This really works!” Well, it doesn’t.
The same with “You must post this statement on your FB or they can use your content without permission.” Well, that’s not true. Posting such nonsense does nothing.
These are hoaxes, folks! They do nothing! It always surprise me that more people don’t do a quick check of Snopes.com to validate.
It’s not all doom and gloom. Here’s what I love to see on your feeds:
There’s lots I say YES to:
Celebrations! I love to hear about your wins.
Vacations–show me your trip and what you’re doing! I love it. All of it.
Fashion--the more the merrier! I’ll look at every outfit, every shoe, every …you name it!
Your pets. OMG yes. Dogs, cats, ferrets, birds…whatever!
Fun stories are always on my love list.
Show me your kids! I know, I know, I’m a sucker but I want to see them and what they are doing!
Are you selling something? I want to see it and I want to comment on it, knowing that comments and reactions help give you more visibility. I’ve also bought stuff that people offer: books, artwork, cards, crafts. So yes, I want to see them. Oh, and if you see mine I hope you will comment on it so I get more visibility, too. Funny how people don’t know that a simple comment can mean the world to a small business.
Did you write or draw something? Share it with me!
If someone is having a rough day or situation, I do want to know, so I can provide support, moral or otherwise if I choose. Some of my fB friends know all about this.
I always look at GoFundMe requests. ALWAYS. And if I can help, I will.
Judicious use of social media really can be fun—that’s what I think, anyway. How about you? What do you think?
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I agree. I spend judicious time on social media, which means when I can fit it in. But I don’t let it consume me. If I miss a day or a week that’s ok. Life comes first!
I find it tragic that, to get to the ‘positive’ one has to sift through so much that is negative. But sift, I will! I love most to see what my family and friends are doing. The amazing and/or funny things they’ve discovered. I am eternally interested!
And it lifts me!
Sooo…thank uou for being one of the ‘lifters’! 🙂
Facebook is the main way I keep in touch with family, and in a way it’s too bad that much of my family is not on Facebook so much of it ends up being in laws (not that that’s a bad thing!). But, at the same time, my sister in law asks me occasionally if she should go on social media and, each time, I advise her no. It’s toxic, I tell her. She’s very outgoing and has other ways to keep in touch that work well for her. But for me, an introvert, when it works, social media (mainly Facebook) works oh so well. I’ve learned to tune out much of the toxicity or to mute people who do the oversharing you describe.
Carol, I agree. This is a social network, but there are limits to what we should SHARE. There is that word……SHARE. I think we should each think carefully before we post something. What we post reflects on us, our feelings and our beliefs. Thanks.
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Yes and yes… it’s all in how we consume things (or let them consume us).
I agree. I spend judicious time on social media, which means when I can fit it in. But I don’t let it consume me. If I miss a day or a week that’s ok. Life comes first!
I find it tragic that, to get to the ‘positive’ one has to sift through so much that is negative. But sift, I will! I love most to see what my family and friends are doing. The amazing and/or funny things they’ve discovered. I am eternally interested!
And it lifts me!
Sooo…thank uou for being one of the ‘lifters’! 🙂
and you know I love your cute family stories. Not to mention the excellent fiction you write. I need to interview you for this blog!
You make some great points! And I love that you brought out the POSITIVES of social media 🙂
And there are many!
Facebook is the main way I keep in touch with family, and in a way it’s too bad that much of my family is not on Facebook so much of it ends up being in laws (not that that’s a bad thing!). But, at the same time, my sister in law asks me occasionally if she should go on social media and, each time, I advise her no. It’s toxic, I tell her. She’s very outgoing and has other ways to keep in touch that work well for her. But for me, an introvert, when it works, social media (mainly Facebook) works oh so well. I’ve learned to tune out much of the toxicity or to mute people who do the oversharing you describe.
I hear that, Alana.
Carol, I agree. This is a social network, but there are limits to what we should SHARE. There is that word……SHARE. I think we should each think carefully before we post something. What we post reflects on us, our feelings and our beliefs. Thanks.
Thinking beforehand is key!