Social media has become a pervasive tool in modern society, often transforming the mundane into the meaningful. It allows individuals to curate their lives, presenting a polished version of reality that can be far removed from the truth. This digital façade can create a sense of connection and purpose, yet it often masks the underlying struggles and discontent that many face. People find themselves scrolling through feeds filled with carefully crafted images and stories, leading them to believe that happiness and fulfillment are just a post away. In this way, social media can serve as a distraction, diverting attention from the harsher realities of life and the existential questions that linger beneath the surface.
In this context, many individuals find themselves trapped in a cycle of work and consumption, laboring for companies and organizations that prioritize profit over people. The relentless pursuit of money becomes a means of survival, yet it often leads to a sense of emptiness and disillusionment. People work tirelessly, often in jobs that do not bring them joy or satisfaction, simply to afford the basic necessities of life. This existence can feel like a form of modern slavery, where individuals are bound to the demands of their employers and the expectations of society, all while chasing an elusive dream of financial security and happiness.
The question arises: why continue to endure this cycle? The reality is that many feel powerless to break free from the constraints imposed by a system that values profit over well-being. The fear of financial instability and the societal pressure to conform can be overwhelming, leading individuals to accept their roles as cogs in a vast machine. However, it is essential to recognize that there is more to life than the pursuit of wealth. By questioning the status quo and seeking deeper meaning beyond material gain, individuals can begin to reclaim their lives and find fulfillment in ways that are not dictated by the demands of billionaires or corporate interests. Ultimately, the journey toward a more meaningful existence requires courage and a willingness to challenge the narratives that have been imposed upon us.
This is not “new”, but it is not good either.
Humans gonna human.
What is “new” is the degree of addiction that the social media apps bring to the table, which e.g. a newspaper never could.
At the end of the day, technology merely provides tools. It is up to us to decide how best to use them. The newer an invention is though, the less adjustment people and society have gone through to determine its proper place.
And social media does offer noticeable benefits in connecting people to others in profound ways, which they might NEVER have experienced otherwise - some people are literally only alive today bc of help or information that they received on social media, without which they would have been exposed to greater likelihood or degree of harm.
Still, the addiction potential is real, so as with literally everything else in life but stated from a capitalistic viewpoint: “buyer beware”.
That’s my 2¢ anyway.