Social Media: What I Struggle to Understand

Second to sports, would be my confusion with social media in this young generation. I completely understand the good that can come out of social media and the different contexts people are in to utilize the platform. However, I have found that there be much more questions and deceit rather than good and edification. I have compiled a list of the things I just don’t understand when it comes to the social media culture.

Why is it all about numbers?

From personal experience, I have found that when I posted a snap or a picture, I would constantly check and see how many likes or views I got. I don’t think I am in the minority in this. I have often found many people doing this. Imagine posting multiple times a day every day. This would mean you are constantly checking your phone for numbers that prove no benefit to your life except false self-esteem. Why?

Why are you concerned with what other people are doing?

This is one I am starting to understand more and more, but still remains unacceptable in my eyes. I understand the joy that is found in watching your friend’s Snapchat videos. I get the curiosity that comes about while scrolling on Instagram to see friends and look at the pictures they posted. We are intrigued by our peers and what they are doing. I get that we are intrigued by this, but still do not understand why. What happened to asking them about their day or week when you see them? The problem might actually not be on the shoulders of the scroller, but on the poster in this case, which leads to my next question.

Why do you feel the need to post what you are doing for others to see?

When I had my own social media accounts, there was this burden that came along with signing up for these platforms. It was like I checked the box for someone to put the weight on my shoulder of having to post random things daily. Why did I feel the need to post my life for others to see? Why do you feel the need to post for other people to see? You are not that important and people would be better off investing time in things that mattered. Viewing a snap of what you did today with your boyfriend doesn’t matter. Personally, if you want to know what I have been up to, come talk to me.

Why do you compare yourself?

I understand that this is a bigger problem with women rather than men. My question is why is a problem at all? If you struggle with comparison, the last thing you need is a social media account. Do something about it and delete it.

Boys: why do try to slide in?

Unfortunately, I have been friends with way too many boys who do this. This actually makes me question if we really are even friends. I make the distinction between boys and men on purpose. Men would never direct message a girl online saying that she is cute or asking for a date. Men approach women in person, never online. You should actually stop doing this if you do because it never works out, and if it does, I question the character of the girl. I would also not be proud of that relationship that was created online.

Why do you resort to social media in times of discomfort?

We have all been there, maybe. The times where we are at a house with people we don’t really know so we just scroll through our phone in order to avoid eye contact and conversation. This and many other uncomfortable situations forces us to run to our screens in times of escape. Next time, try logging out of social media and approach the discomfort. You will be a better person because of it and you might even have meaningful conversations.

Why do you passively rant on social media about someone instead of talking to them and fixing the issue?

This is one of the more frustrating issues I have with social media. Don’t argue online with someone. Ever. Also, don’t gossip online. Ever. If there is an issue, talk about with that person face to face. Man up.

Why do you resort to social media in times of boredom?

Similar to discomfort, we resort to social media in times where we are bored. It is actually quite sad. There are so many other great investments you could be doing with your spare time. If you are frequently too bored and resort to social media, you might just have too much time on your hands. Check the opportunity cost.

Why do have social media if you are over 30?

This one might be the most controversial, but I have a point to it. What I am not saying is that you shouldn’t have a social media account if you are over 30. Social media is a great platform for businesses and event to just check up with family. I understand this. What I don’t understand is the man or women who is 30 or older that is married with kids posting on social media like he/she is still in high school. You have a full time job, a spouse, kids, and bills to pay, why and how do you have time to scroll through social media like you are middle schooler with nothing to do.

Why won’t you give it up?

I believe every person who is active on social media would be a much healthier person if they didn’t have it. I believe they would be healthier spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and even some cases physically. If this is the case, why not just give it up? You literally don’t have much to lose? If we were to be quite frank, you actually have much to gain. There are Christians that use social media as a crutch for “being light” in a dark world, yet that dark world ends up rubbing off on them through social media. What is more important, keeping it and losing your soul or getting rid of it for the edification of your mind and heart? Are you too addicted? Do it. You won’t have anything to regret.