Social Media Teaches You on How to Be Fake
I’ll ask you: why did you decide to open your own social media account?
Is it for business, for entertainment, for telling your friends or other people what you are doing on that day, or for something that makes you popular?
Whatever it is, social media isn’t your home for emotions. Don’t make it your territory. Because if you don’t realize it makes you a bad person.
Let me tell you something.
I have a friend who is very active on social media. She constantly posts and updates her status, sharing even the most simple details of her life. However, in person, she is quite shy and not at all like the persona she presents online. She struggles to initiate conversations with others. I don’t know her reasons for this, but the difference between her online and offline personalities gives other people speculations on what’s going on.
There are a lot of examples of this scenario, and some of them are quite concerning, yet they seem so normal.
- Using emojis or repeatedly typing “HAHAHAHAHA” to express laughter. You might say “LOL” or claim that you can’t stop laughing, but did you genuinely find it funny? Probably not. You are likely just putting on a poker face.
- When someone posts about their achievements online, such as winning medals, having lots of money, buying new houses, or purchasing a large piece of land, and you react with a heart emoji and say “CONGRATULATIONS.” But is that really what you think?
- Meeting someone online who appears stunning in their profile picture, but feeling disappointed when you meet in person and breaking up immediately.
- Saying you’re studying for an exam, but ending up scrolling through social media after just a minute.
- Engaging in online arguments but being unable to say anything in person.
Are you laughing because you can relate?
There are many more instances where social media encourages us to wear a mask, portraying ourselves as happy, grateful, proud, or even sad. But why do we feel the need to do this?
1 — Online Disinhibition Effect
Online communication allows people to express themselves more freely due to factors like anonymity and the lack of immediate consequences. When not face-to-face with someone, people feel less accountable for their comments, leading them to express thoughts they might suppress in person.
2 — Anonymity and Lack of Accountability
Anonymity online lets people post comments without revealing who they are. This can make people express more extreme opinions. When people don’t have to take responsibility for what they say, they might act badly because they don’t have to deal with the consequences. They can just log off and not have to face any personal effects.
3 — Social Norms and Cultural Influences
The negative culture on many online platforms makes people think it’s okay to be mean or rude. When people see others being rude online, they might think it’s okay for them to do the same. This can create a cycle where being negative becomes normal.
4 — Psychological Factors
Sometimes people act mean because they feel insecure or because of their personality. For example, people with ‘dark’ personality traits like sadism and Machiavellianism might enjoy being mean to others, especially online. This can lead to more negativity.
5 — Emotional Distance
The emotional distance created by digital communication can lead people to forget that they are communicating with real individuals. This detachment makes it easier for them to express hurtful comments without considering the impact on others.
Remember this: Don’t blame social media for making things worse. It all comes down to algorithms. Your feed reflects what you’ve recently viewed, liked, or reacted to.
But do old sayings about our generation hold true?
Social media was meant for meeting new people, not making enemies. It’s supposed to help you grow through connecting with others, not for comparing or damaging their image or badmouthing them.
It’s for keeping you updated on your family and friends, without posting too frequently — maybe with a 10-minute interval.
Social media is for collaboration, not for online fights.
I am a part of this generation, and I have deactivated my other social media accounts. I realized something important: not everyone understands the true purpose of social media.
I am sure that many people have completely forgotten the original intention of social — to make our world more connected and easier to communicate.
That’s all.
Thank you.
