Those who have recently met me might be surprised to learn that I was a latecomer to the world of social media. I missed the AOL Chat wave entirely, and by the time I got involved with MySpace, the platform was already fading. However, everything changed when I became a parent eight years ago. I began blogging and sought deeper connections with friends and family scattered across the country.
Initially, social media was just a fun way to connect with people I already knew. My friend list consisted of real-life acquaintances, and I was hesitant to accept requests from unfamiliar faces. Back then, we were all a bit more cautious.
Fast forward to today, and the landscape is entirely different. We’ve lowered our defenses, and I often find myself scrolling through my feed, asking, “Who is this random person?” It’s utterly surreal!
Social media has transformed from a mere supplement to our lives into a significant part of our existence. However, there’s one crucial difference: in the real world, people mature. You might have your share of childhood and teenage drama, but as you grow older, you typically recognize how trivial it was.
In today’s “social media is everything” culture, it feels like we’re regressing. The mob mentality has returned, and we see groups targeting individuals. Old-school name-calling mixes with new-age trolling, and honestly, I’m fed up with it—I’m embarrassed by it.
I’ve seen adult women, mothers even, engage in lengthy arguments about something as trivial as buying Instagram followers. Seriously? We’re arguing about Instagram followers? I found myself refreshing that thread all day, akin to the Michael Jackson meme where he’s munching popcorn.
What’s more embarrassing than being a passive observer of such drama is when I’ve joined in, posting ridiculous comments and engaging in emotional exchanges with individuals I’ve never met. What is happening?
Not too long ago, I shared a simple Facebook post encouraging kindness. Lately, I’ve been more cautious about what I post, often sharing fewer thoughts due to a self-consciousness about my online presence. I carefully crafted my message to avoid any potential conflict, but still, someone decided to confront me about a supposed online transgression. I deleted her comment, and she retaliated with a profanity-laden insult on my page. The humiliation was palpable—imagine explaining to your church friend why someone you barely know felt compelled to curse you out over a social media disagreement.
As someone whose career revolves around the Internet, I’m more attuned to social media dynamics than many people in my life. While I appreciate the valuable connections and opportunities that come from being skilled in this arena, I find myself questioning if it’s worth the emotional investment. I love the insights I gain about others and the broader world, but perhaps I’m too deeply entrenched.
The Facebook High School, Class of 2018 mentality is wearing thin. I’ve been contemplating whether I want to engage in a space where quarreling with strangers is commonplace. Shouldn’t I be spending my time more productively offline? Is there a more genuine way to connect with others than mindlessly scrolling and liking posts all day?
I don’t have all the answers yet. For now, I’m significantly reducing my social media usage. I’m trimming my friend list and focusing on truly connecting with the people who matter. The mute, unfriend, and block buttons are my new best friends. I didn’t endure four years of high school just to relive it on Facebook.
I long for the simpler times of MySpace.
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Summary:
Social media has evolved from a playful connection tool to a platform rife with drama and conflict, resembling high school dynamics. The author reflects on their experiences, questioning the value of online interactions and contemplating a return to more meaningful connections offline. They express a desire to step back from the chaos of social media as they seek authenticity and deeper relationships.