The Adjustment Experiment. Are We Falling Prey to Social Media Manipulation?
Our world has undergone a colossal shift in how we consume information over the past 20 years. The introduction of social media in 2004 has invaded every region of the Western World. We can spend large parts of our day scrolling, watching, and observing other people’s lives. Social media giants our influencing, persuading, and manipulating our very behaviors.
These tools can be used to drive both positive/negative outcomes depending on the desired result. For instance, locating donors to save a life, changing archaic laws, fighting injustice, reuniting friends/family, and connecting people all over the world provide real meaningful change.
However, there is a toxic and dark side to social media usage that has led to mental health issues, cyberbullying, data harvesting, polarisation, scandals, mob mentality politics, voter alienation, and the continued fostering of culture wars. How did we go from a picture-sharing app (Facebook) in 2004 to living life through a filter?
In 2011, Matt Damon and Emily Blunt co-starred in the movie; The Adjustment Bureau. For those not familiar with the plot, the world in which they live is controlled by a group of mysterious men. Nothing happens by chance. Everything is under their control. When you inform the algorithm on social media of your interests it begins to build a persona of you. You can see it every time you log into your app. Do you like shoes?
The attention engineers (Puppetmasters) who work behind the scenes have one sole purpose; Keep you scrolling as long as possible. Why? Advertisers are battling for your attention. How many adverts with shoes have you viewed? Did you purchase any? All those likes, shares, and comments are constantly being tracked. They are predicting your behavior. The refresh or swipe-down options are modeled on Las Vegas Slots. Do you know of any big winners at the casinos?
“We accept the reality of the world in which we are presented”
-Ed Harris- The Truman Show.
How can you stop people from becoming addicted when the dopamine hit is instant? Those little pings/notifications are ruining how we connect. The next time you’re at a restaurant observe how many people are on their phones. They are more concerned with capturing a picture of their food, than engaging in a conversation. Social media usage is pervading every part of our existence.
Check your screen time. Anything over 7 hours daily and you’re an addict. For some, putting the phone down leads to withdrawal symptoms and boredom. The fear of missing out is too powerful to resist.
There are numerous studies on how constant usage on these platforms is impacting our happiness Social Media and The Happiness Paradox — it’s not you, it’s them. — digitalwellbeing.org Do not become trapped in the world of social media influencers.
These people are living their best lives, (Or so you believe) and don’t care about you. Images of them watching sunsets, driving fast cars, partying in Dubai, or sitting on a yacht in Monaco can drive jealously, envy, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Teenage girls are particularly prone to social comparison and the fight for approval. Reports of cyberbullying are not uncommon.
“When it comes to social media, there are just times I turn off the world, you know. There are just sometimes you have to give yourself space to be quiet, which means you’ve got to set those phones down.”
-Michelle Obama-
Registering or creating an account with any social media platform is free. Hence the reason billions of people globally are active users. So, how do they make money? Selling access. Too what? You. Remember once you start engaging, tagging, and sharing the back end system gets to work on building an asset. It allows for geotargeting, marketing segmentation, and data to be maximized for whoever the buyer is. These buyers can range from; corporates, businesses, brands, governments, or anyone with a vested interest in communicating with a niche community.
“If you’re not paying for the product, you are the product”
-Tim O Reilly-
The rapid expansion of social media has enabled us to become distracted, mundane, and satisfied with the path of least resistance. Relationships are being tested, careers are being ruined with misjudged or improper comments. Our children are becoming more fragile, isolated, and fearful.
When you judge your value in emojis to a particular post, image, or video you are living in a false reality. Accepting critique, failure, adversity, and the challenge is all part of learning. Building grit and resilience is essential to manage life’s curveballs.
How can you determine what is real if everyone is editing their life? Why do you need the adulation of others to be authentic? Conforming to the opinions and views of the popular is not how you create character. Where do you focus your attention? Can you schedule usage daily? Spend time away from the phone. Switch off during meal times. These are all options in cutting out nonsense.
“Our attention spans have been reduced by the immediate gratification provided by smartphones and social media.”
-Katherine Ryan-
At present, I use Twitter, Instagram, and Clubhouse (Audio app). They all offer something different based on my needs. Time spent daily on each has been greatly reduced, since exiting total lockdown. The easiest way to manage these platforms is to connect with people and news that brings value to you.
All the rest is background noise pushed by those who want to sell, promote or prey on your insecurities. Don’t get caught up in the bullshit. Social Media is a tool. Learn how to use it as such.
This story was published previously-The Adjustment Experiment: Are we Falling Prey to Social Media Manipulation? — The Good Men Project
