Social Media Is For Idiots
Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter.
Whether you’re a fan of social media or not, I think we can all agree that social media is the domain of idiots. That is to say, some of the most idiotic behaviour, which are the subject of attention from the likes of gossip magazines and online news forums, is first displayed on social media websites.
Take a look at Trump. For every terrible act of violence that the world sees, the President of America sees fit to take to Twitter and begin a tirade of name-calling, which effectively does nothing to solve the situation. If not naming ‘losers’, then he’s issuing threats or denying the latest conspiracy theories circulating him and his dysfunctional family, which, frankly, displays a level of ineptitude and unprofessionalism that makes me despair.
Then there’s the Kardashians. Among the endless selfies, there is of course the feud against Taylor Swift, which has allegedly resulted in the creation of her latest single, ‘Look What You Made Me Do’. Between Taylor and Kanye, its almost impossible to tell who is the bigger idiot in this case. The comebacks and retaliations have grown bigger and badder until the lines of right and wrong are truly blurred. The whole thing is… yes, you guessed it, idiotic.
Twitter for certain does seem to be the forum for idiots.
Then there’s the trolling across all social media sites, the bullying or ‘accidental’ leak of nude photos that should never have been taken in the first place, not to mention the disturbing issue of the grooming of young people by hungry wolves that set up accounts on forums like Facebook. With the growth of social media and the world domination of technology, these issues are becoming more of a problem, and no one seems to be coming up with ways of improving things.
That said, social media can be as much a blessing as it is a curse.
Facebook, for example. Issues of groomers aside, the forum is brilliant for keeping in touch with friends you would have long since fallen out of touch with. Old school friends that moved away or abroad, colleagues who are off on holidays, or just simply parents keeping an eye on their kids that are away at uni (if you can get them to friend you, that is). You can rant after a bad day, or rave after a particularly good night out. Post pictures from a beach in Hawaii, or selfies from the top of the London Eye. When it comes to birthdays, there’s no need to send an actual, physical card anymore: just post a birthday message to their wall! Indeed, Facebook can be a blessing (as long as people don’t start sharing videos about cats on far too regular a basis).
And if Facebook is the domain for keeping in touch with friends, Twitter is the place for keeping up to date with the gossip. It’s where you can stalk celebrities that you love, without being served with a restraining order. You can even make contact with them… and sometimes, they even reply!
Not only that, but Twitter is good for networking and for business. If you are someone who wants to write a book, or record an album, or get a part in the next blockbuster film, then Twitter is where you can build a profile, get a following going and boost your promotions. It’s a kick start to your career, and it doesn’t just have to be in the arts. Yes, Twitter can be a blessing too.
YouTube, which is technically a social media site, takes things to a whole new level. I absolutely love YouTube. You want to find videos about anything, and all you have to do is go on YouTube. Self-help guides, how-to vlogs, music, trailers, and of course there’s the celebrity YouTubers. It just so happens that posting videos of yourself on YouTube could be your big break, and lead to your name becoming a household name. The younger generation (myself including) all know names like Zoella, Alfie Deyes, Casper Lee, Pewdipie and so on. The latest trends or phrases thrown out by your friends probably come from some video that went viral. YouTube definitely takes social media to a whole new level.
I don’t think I’ll ever understand Snapchat (a promotion for the value of vanity), and I think I’ll always have mixed feelings about Twitter (unless you’re promoting yourself in the corporate world, then you’re just stalking celebrities and the likelihood is that you have too much time on your hands). But cat videos aside, Facebook is definitely a great way to keep in touch with friends, and Instagram displays some breath-taking photography talent. Then there’s YouTube… Need I say more?
So yes, it’s true. Social media is for idiots. But if you can ignore the idiots (and resist becoming one yourself), is social media worth it?
That’s for you to decide.
With thanks to Nicole
