Unhinged
I had this quick chat through Whatsapp with a close friend of mine. This person told me that one of their relatives is an avid user of social media (Whatsapp Status, in particular) and post almost about everything there from daily activity to all the charity work this person does. I’m actually rarely used Whatsapp status other than for work purpose (I work as a BD/Marketing person — so I usually post webinars, events or my classes on Whatsapp Status so my clients and potential clients could read and hopefully join the event). But I have to be honest — watching people’s Whatsapp Statuses can be such a fun entertainment.
It’s UNHINGED, hunny!
Social media has transformed the way we interact with each other, connect with people, and share our lives online. However, this transformation comes with a cost, as it affects people’s behavior in various ways. To elaborate further on the negative effects of social media on people’s behavior, it is essential to understand the psychology behind the culture of flexing and instant gratification. Social media provides a platform for individuals to curate and showcase their lives to others, and this curated image often consists of material possessions, success, and a desirable lifestyle. The need to present a perfect image of oneself on social media can lead to a culture of flexing, where individuals are obsessed with showing off their success and material possessions.
The culture of flexing has a negative impact on mental health, as it creates a sense of inadequacy in individuals who may not be able to keep up with the unrealistic expectations created by social media. This can lead to a feeling of constant comparison, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Moreover, the pressure to maintain a certain image on social media can lead to a lack of authenticity and a tendency to prioritize social status over genuine connections and relationships.
See and be seen
In addition to the culture of flexing, social media has also created a culture of instant gratification and instant success. Social media users are often drawn to accounts that offer quick solutions, easy success, and a shortcut to fame and fortune. This has led to the rise of influencers, who often promote products and services that promise instant success or a shortcut to wealth and fame.
This culture of instant gratification and success can have a negative impact on individuals’ goals and aspirations, as it creates a sense of entitlement and a lack of patience and perseverance. The idea of instant success can also lead to a lack of appreciation for the value of hard work, dedication, and long-term goals. It’s shocking that some people really think all the flexes shown by local influencers (who managed to get rich within couple of years) are actually real — which can lead to a very dangerous mindset to the next generation: neglecting effort, patience and process to get an instant result.
Social status vs genuine altruism
Moreover, social media has also affected the way individuals present their religious beliefs and charitable activities. Many individuals use social media to showcase their piety and charity work, which can lead to a sense of competition and insincerity. The focus on showcasing religious and charitable acts can dilute the purpose of these activities and turn them into a means of social status rather than genuine altruism.
In Indonesia, the culture of social media has had a significant impact on people’s behavior, especially in terms of religious activities. Many individuals use social media to showcase their religious activities, creating a sense of competition and pressure to present oneself as pious and devout. This behavior is often seen as hypocritical and insincere, as it turns religious beliefs into a means of social status.
What should we do then?
To address this cultural problem, of course requires holistic approach. One blog post obviously won’t do the justice. But I think we can start with something practical. We can start addressing the negative effects of social media on behavior by practicing mindful social media usage and differentiate between flexing and sharing genuine moments of joy. It is important to prioritize authenticity and sincerity over social status and to use social media as a platform for positive change rather than personal gain. Moreover, parents and educators should educate the younger generation on responsible social media usage and the value of hard work, perseverance, and long-term goals. By promoting a healthier online culture, we can create a better society for the future.
ps: all the gif are dedication to my ultimate queen, Katya.
