The Grip of Social Media
Social Media tells us a story. Actually, the Internet as a whole tells us a story. It tells us that we are interweaved with our peers. It tells us to connect and that there’s a plethora of people out there to meet. There’s an ocean of information that stretches to infinity online. How do we navigate through this this age of instant information and connection? We should not just indulge ourselves in everything that’s available. That would not be practical. That’s where the art of self-discipline and the rewards of delaying gratification kicks in.
Just as gender and time can be seen as constructs, so is the online universe. We assign meaning to everything we see online, whether it be a website, a social media account, or pornography. It all means something, just like in life. Most of the time, however, your meanings can be misconstrued and the actual worth of what you get out of your behaviors online are overvalued. You direct your attention online to whatever fits your story the best. Sometimes, you are not even directing your own attention because the Internet has the controls. Yes, it can control you.
The Internet is to be used as a tool, it should not be the other way around. If you are not careful, you can embody the naive look of a child coming home from school, just walking down a dangerous street at night alone. The Internet can shape you into whoever it wants through manipulation and the power it holds in your mind. It is the ultimate capitalist, and it does not even know it. It does not know what it is doing because it is too far gone for itself at this point. It’s users who blindly surf are just climbing a burning ladder to nowhere while the fire rises and it’s just a matter of time before you realize that the latter goes nowhere and you fall into the depths of it, where you lose yourself. Marketers and business owners literally pay for your attention. Through your eyes, they hijack your dopamine centers and rewire neurotransmitters so that you think “hey, this is the right thing to do and I should wear this or buy that or be like him”. The Internet is one big advertisement in other words. Social media has a way of shaping a narrative FOR you.
Here’s where you can take it all back. Disconnect from your social media, your online presence, your internet. Take it away. It doesn’t have to be permanent. I understand that we’ve evolved into a world that operates on this burning ladder. If we primarily use it as a tool, such as to truly network, create, and create a dialogue, then maybe our ladder goes somewhere. It can scale the wall of you. And you’re happy on the other side. The longer you’re away from it, the less it becomes your home. The less you realize you need it. The less you realize that it is not you.
Nothing I’m saying is really new, but it is a good reminder once in a while to realize that you aren’t your thoughts or your online presence. All of it is fake. It’s designed to make you feel or be a certain way. Listen to your inner voice (your gut). Find your self. Stand-up. Disconnect from your “story”. Embrace the life as it is. Truly connect with others. They aren’t just a text message away. Hear their voice. Be in touch with yourself. Work hard and be nice and you will be where you want to be. And don’t let someone else tell you who you want to be.
Best,
Frank
12:29 AM.
