Social Media is an Inherently Selfish Medium | HPSC Preparation: All subjects - HPSC (Haryana) PDF Download

Media

With companies constantly developing new social media platforms or simply adding more features to the already existing ones, individuals' sense of detachment from reality and public life has only increased. The concept of social media came into being to increase the connectivity between people to bring those living far apart closer. Perhaps it has managed to do that to some extent. However, to a large extent, it has actually resulted in people drifting further apart.
Being on various social media platforms has created an illusion that people are constantly connected, while it is far from the truth. While one might see what the other is up to, either through an Instagram story or a Facebook post, there is rarely any desire to actually initiate a conversation or to meet. Direct messages or DMs have replaced the classic ways of talking over the phone or hanging out somewhere outside.
All these big companies who have created various social media platforms have taken advantage of the basic human tendencies of seeking attention and approval, thereby creating applications like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, etc. Moreover, the addictive nature of these social media platforms has further brought out the self-centeredness inherently imbibed in human behaviour.

How Social Media Has Become A Selfish Medium

Here are some ways in which social media has, over the years, brought out the selfishness inherent in human behaviour: -

• Expressing Opinions: Since social media serves as the best means to keep a tab on what almost anyone around the world is doing, many also make it their business to comment on other’s lives. Unfortunately, while many like a post or leave positive comments, there are a large number of people who hide behind their username and leave hate comments, all the while believing their opinions to be true. Without much consideration of the other person’s feelings or state of being, these trolls choose to write horrible things about them and often criticize them for their choice of lifestyle. For example, so many people follow celebrities or sports personalities quite closely and yet make it a point to comment negatively on their lavish lifestyle or relationships, without so much as respecting their decision to live life their own way. Such trolls do all this without thinking about how it could affect someone’s mental health or well-being.
• A Medium for Show-Off: Not only does social media facilitates viewing what everybody else is up to, but it also serves as the perfect means to show off. While it is a personal choice to indulge in a luxurious lifestyle, it isn’t good to flaunt it. Unfortunately, many try to use social media to show off extravagant parties, designer goods, overseas vacations, etc. Mentioning all this in passing or showing a small part of it is alright, but going onto social media to boasting is not good since many people long such a life but aren’t able to afford it. In many cases, people resort to dangerous means to earn money on the side to afford a luxurious life.
• Public Approval and Followers: The way social media works is to enable people to follow others and vice versa. It allows people to keep a tab on what the other person is doing. People have an inherent tendency to seek approval from others; they wish to be popular and to be at the center of attention. Social media serves as the means to garner this attention and maybe even approval. As a result, many people perform dangerous stunts, which could hurt them or others around them for more “views” and “likes.” They constantly risk their lives (there are many instances of people posing on railway tracks or at the edge of cliffs) simply to become more popular or go “viral.”

Even in situations like accidents or brawls, instead of actually going and helping those in need, people choose to film the incident in hopes of their posts getting more views. Likewise, when out with friends or on vacation, many choose to post aesthetically pleasing pictures and stories instead of actually enjoying the surroundings or the company of their near and dear ones. Such instances, where people care more for their public image or popularity, show just how vain they can be and how social media inadvertently aids all this.

How Social Media Can Cause Harm

It might seem harmless to post a few videos or photos online for the world to see, but it could potentially cause more damage than anticipated:

• Self-esteem Issues: Having to constantly look at people dressed up and looking “beautiful” or “handsome” could lead to many people feeling inadequate. They might start to find faults in their appearance, could grow self-conscious and could take extreme measures to change certain aspects of themselves. Living up to the beauty standards depicted online could seriously damage someone’s confidence and lead them to make rash decisions to feel more accepted. Also, having people comment negatively on a post could damage one’s self perception beyond repair.
• Physical Damages: Posting pictures while on vacation has become quite common. However, what many don’t realize is that those very pictures could be an invitation for trouble. For example, seeing a house empty could attract people looking to commit theft or even take refuge. Unfortunately, incidents such as these aren’t unheard of and have been known to have caused some serious problems.
• Cyber Crime: Social media serves as the perfect chance to commit crimes such as money or identity theft, stalking, etc. With social media providing a clear view of a person’s life along with their personal details, anyone looking to cause trouble has an easy pass. For instance, many older men have created fake online profiles to stalk or follow young girls. Such cases have escalated to the point of people breaking into someone’s house, kidnapping, harassment, etc.

There is no doubt that social media has, in some way or the other, brought people closer, has provided many opportunities which would have otherwise been difficult to find, has led to many successful businesses or relationships. However, it has also done a lot of damage and will continue to do so. Therefore, when dealing with social media, it is imperative to know the implications are of each click.
To avoid causing any damage, it is best to not showcase too much of one’s personal life, to steer clear of people online who are strangers, to understand that everything on social media isn’t the reality and that one must be one’s original selves instead of living up to standards portrayed online. It is necessary to not say anything hurtful or mean and to respect people’s decisions to live life a certain way. It is ultimately social media, a virtual platform, and one mustn’t get lost in it.