The Digital Life
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. A single image can convey a person’s darkness, their light, or the condition of their very soul. We use images to express feelings that words have not yet caught up to, and to tell stories that imagination alone cannot give shape to. Once the domain of professional painters, and later photographers, technological advances have now brought high-quality cameras to average citizens, who eagerly snap photos of their daily lives to post in the digital journal of their existence that is called social media. As we post, we wait for the audience to respond to our stories, our happiness (or at least our mood for the hour) depending on the reaction from our “followers”.
But why do we collect followers? Has a high “friends” count become some strange status symbol by which we feel society judges us? Who are those people, the elusive “they”, who judge us based on how many followers we have on Instagram or Twitter?
The human need for validation has taken many forms throughout our history, and now the prevalence of technological means of sharing our lives, thoughts, and personalities has enabled a new avenue for us to seek what we desire. If we do something we’re proud of, snapping a selfie in front of that mountain we climbed can garner us a series of “likes”, each one expanding our hearts a little bit more with pride. If we have a bad day, sharing that on social media can elicit a sympathetic heart emoji or “don’t worry, be happy” meme from one or more of our e-connections, making all the pain of the day’s events disappear into the ethereal realm of the great Internet… Right?
I don’t discount the power of social media to affect our mood, and even be a valuable social tool for those for whom in-person communication with their friends and family is not feasible. Having moved around a lot between states and even countries, I love the fact that I can reconnect with friends so easily with social media. It’s certainly less expensive than sending traditional letters in the mail, or placing long-distance phone calls to Greece. I also have friends who have posted cries for help on these public platforms because that was the only way they could express themselves, and managed to get the help they needed because someone (as someone usually is) was watching. For these uses, I am eternally grateful!
But I do wonder why the collective “we” base our feelings of self-worth, even if only partially, on our popularity on the internet. I will admit that I am somewhat guilty of this as well, especially when it comes to Twitter, where anyone can follow anyone else who has a public account. Since I don’t have a large following by most standards, comparing my page to that of other socialites of social media (socialmedialites?), can make me feel that either the world doesn’t know I exist, or the world isn’t interested in what I have to say – both equally disappointing scenarios.
There are many ways in which a person can feel like they matter, whether they are making a difference in someone else’s life, or simply being acknowledged for their own uniqueness. Social media creates new opportunities for people to seek recognition for some aspect of their lives that is important to them, beyond the traditional interactions of the tangible world. It creates bridges between people otherwise disconnected, and redefines the parameters of existing relationships through these technologically-based outlets of expression. My concern peaks its head when we begin to define our worth as social individuals based on this digital realm, and compare our true selves to the manufactured stories and images we create for ourselves and for others in our attempt to market ourselves as popular/beautiful/enviable.
Granted, as I write this blog, sharing my thoughts and stories with you, I realize that I am also guilty of this, at least in part. Sure, I would like for my words to be read by others, to provoke thought, and to elicit some sort of recognition, otherwise, I wouldn’t bother writing on the internet. However, I recognize that an excessive reliance on the opinion of others, whether in-person or through social media, is not a healthy, productive, or reasonable way to live.
Bottom line: Live your life, post your passions (if you like), and avoid the avalanche (of seeking validation).
Good luck!