I’ve Joined Three Death Cults This Year: And So Can You!
Social media has become the new “Death Cult” of our era.
Historically, Death Cults, like certain branches of Christianity, have promised some form of existence beyond the physical world. This idea of permanence has been a compelling and comforting aspect for believers. Fast forward to the present day, and we see a secular equivalent emerging through social media platforms. The internet, with its seemingly eternal memory, offers a modern form of immortality. It’s an intriguing shift from the supernatural to the digital, yet the underlying desire for permanence remains the same.
Social media users often curate an image of themselves that reflects their ideal persona; a digital legacy that survives long after they’re gone. This curation is akin to building a monument to oneself, accessible and visible to all. Just like ancient rulers erected statues and temples to ensure they were remembered, today’s digital citizens craft social media profiles for a similar purpose. The more viral or popular one’s digital presence, the more enduring their digital afterlife becomes, echoing the grand myth of legacy.
The public nature of social media ensures that the curated image aligns somewhat with reality, as discrepancies are easily noticed. As a result, this digital legacy also create an immense social pressure for authenticity and adaptability. This dynamic ensures a level of believability in the digital personas we create, adding a layer of complexity to our online legacies.
Digital immortality is the new-age secular response to an ancient human desire expressed via any number of religions. While social media offers a platform to curate and maintain our digital selves, it also challenges us to reconcile this with the ever-present and natural flux of life.
The reality is that change is a constant in our lives, and learning to embrace it can be liberating. Social media, in its permanence, often seems to contradict this notion, locking us into a static version of ourselves. However, understanding and accepting our evolving digital selves is crucial. It’s about learning from our mistakes, embracing imperfections, and adapting without fear or defensiveness.
I suppose this realization is somewhat redundant for those who have pursued spiritual or mindful paths of non-attachment. For me, it was a bit jarring, and not a little scary.
Here’s hoping I’ve internalized it.
