SOCIAL COMMENTARY
Are We Killing Our Future Genius?
A concerning point on social media and mostly, about the kids
I wrote a long post about the inherent dangers of social media.
I am wordy. I over-explain as a result of trauma. I am also, sometimes too ardent when it comes to the things that matter to me. And this sometimes turns people off. Some of them, anyway. I do this because I feel frustrated that I’m not being heard. A major trigger. Also trauma related. So please bear with me. Sometimes.
This story is simpler than I imagined. In fact, this just occurred to me (while I was frying up some stir-fry even though I am not hungry because it would be off by tomorrow and that would be a waste of food while others on the planet are going hungry).
See? TMI.
But seriously.
The social media debate is not complicated. Not remotely complicated enough to warrant an almost 20 minute read. But if that interests you than here you go because I personally find looking at what is under the hood pretty interesting. I like to know how and why things work. I’m curious by nature. And more TMI.
If you don’t have the time (and we have become trained to speed read and only concentrate for less than 3 minutes or something — thank you internet of amazing things), here is, what I believe is, the most concerning bit about social media platforms like Fakebook and Instaham.
Social media is, basically, a popularity contest.
But you are rewarded for sharing information that is not even created from a soul space or personal experience. And sometimes not even from your own core values and beliefs.
Also by pretending that your life is a rock star success. Of course.
Most rock stars ended up overdosing, alone, or seeking treatment for the trauma that drove them into needing a life-time of validation from people that don’t really love them for who they are. This sounds like a sad way to further embed any trauma that may have driven them onto the stage for the wrong reasons, entirely. Rocket Man says it pretty fucking well, in fact.
Oops. I did it again.
My concerns about social media.
Nobody ever became popular by being honest about being human and messy; or speaking about relevant issues that nobody wants to think about because they are terrifying; or encouraging peace, love and unity. In fact, again, some of the people that did this and did become popular ended up being assassinated, jailed or, at the very least, publicly smeared.
Social media is a popularity contest. For likes and responses to posts, created by who and whatever the fuck are creating the posts (and yes, AI can do this and has been for some time).
Social media “trains” you — to not be you.
Trust me. I tried to be honest and vulnerable on social media. I am now somewhat of an expert regarding what could possibly go wrong? And the learning was brutal.
I will say it again.
People rarely become popular because they are honest.
But the people who are strong and courageous enough to see the whole truth, and both speak it and live it…
and only the truly original and authentic that do this…
become “great.”
Are we stunting our future generations of genius, of artists, of original thinkers and honest leaders?
Thanks for your reading time!
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