For those who met me in recent years, it might be surprising to learn that I was quite late to the world of social media. I never participated in the AOL chat rooms and by the time I explored MySpace, it was already waning in popularity. However, everything shifted after the birth of my daughter eight years ago. I began blogging and craved connection with friends and family scattered across the country.
Initially, social media served as a lighthearted space to engage with people I knew in real life. My friends list consisted mostly of actual friends, and I was hesitant to accept requests from unfamiliar faces. But the landscape has changed dramatically.
Now, we’ve let our defenses down. I frequently scroll through my feed and find myself wondering, “Who is this person?” It’s wild! Social media has morphed into a central part of our existence, whereas it once felt like an accessory to our real lives.
In the real world, people mature. Sure, there may be drama during our school years, but eventually, we grow up and recognize how trivial that behavior was. Unfortunately, in this current “social media defines us” environment, it feels like we’re regressing. The mob mentality prevails, leading to group attacks on individuals. Old-fashioned name-calling has returned, replete with new-age shade.
Honestly, I’m fed up and frankly embarrassed by what I see. I’ve witnessed grown women, mothers even, engage in endless disputes over who bought Instagram followers. Seriously? Who cares about Instagram followers? Yet there I was, refreshing that thread all day, much like that Michael Jackson meme where he’s munching on popcorn.
Even more cringe-worthy than passively observing this chaos are the times I’ve jumped into the fray myself, posting silly status updates or tweets. I’ve stirred up emotions with people I’ve never met face-to-face. What kind of madness is this?
Recently, I posted a simple Facebook status encouraging kindness towards others. I’ve been feeling self-conscious about my social media activity lately, which has led to less frequent posts. I contemplated how to phrase my message to avoid any potential conflict. Yet, despite my caution, someone still decided to confront me over an imagined offense. After I deleted her comment, she retaliated with a curse on my Facebook page—a space where I share connections with my pastor, colleagues, and school moms. I was mortified.
Imagine explaining to your Bible study friend why someone you barely know decided to unleash a tirade against you online, despite years of being “friends.” It’s bizarre and frankly, unsettling.
As someone who spends a significant amount of time on social media for work, I’m more attuned to it than many people in my everyday life. While I value the incredible connections I’ve made and the knowledge gained, I can’t help but wonder if I’m just too immersed. The high school drama of Facebook, Class of 2018, is starting to wear on me. I’m questioning whether I want to invest my energy in a space where arguing with strangers has become the norm. Could my time be better spent offline? Is there a more meaningful way to connect with others than mindlessly scrolling?
I don’t have the answers just yet, but for now, I’m significantly reducing my social media presence. I’m trimming my friends list and focusing on nurturing real relationships with those who matter. The mute, unfriend, and block features are being utilized more than ever. After all, I didn’t endure four years of high school just to relive it on Facebook.
Man, I really miss MySpace.
In summary, the dynamics of social media can often mirror the petty conflicts of high school, leading to frustration and embarrassment. As I reevaluate my engagement, I’m making a conscious effort to foster authentic connections and step back from the chaos.
Key resources for navigating home insemination and pregnancy can be found at CDC’s infertility FAQ, while those interested in self insemination can explore the at-home insemination kit and the comprehensive 21-piece kit for further insights.
Leave a Reply