(Just a small thought regarding social media. The
following are based in personal experiences, feelings and thoughts, not meant
to offend anyone.)
As a modern
writer, trying to be relevant and gain a lovely audience to enjoy my work, I
find myself required to use social media. There are many people obsessed with
the use of social media (Facebook, Instagram, twitter etc.) and others swearing
off of them, calling them the devil. To be honest, I got into social media for
shits and giggles as a teenager and stuck to it because it was the easier way
to contact friends (especially the ones living too far away to reach). I still use it for that reason, but also as a means to expose my work
to the light of the never ending Internet.
I believe
firmly that a tool is just that, a tool. To be used in the best or worst way
possible, depending on the person wielding it. The internet and social media
are nothing but a tool, yet the way we choose to use them can affect our lives.
Being a person with an extremely low self- esteem and self-value, I often find
myself comparing my abilities, body and life with what people post on social
media. I can’t even begin to explain how poisonous it is to think like
that. I might be called sensitive for reacting in this way, but it is the truth
for so many people. We are never satisfied with ourselves and strive to become
better. Each journey is unique, happens in a different time frame and
has a different set of goals. We must strive to realize it, admire the work
others do and be inspired, but not put ourselves down for not being on their
level. It requires a lot of self-talk and positivity.
Is the
ultimate solution giving up social media? It might as well be, if it causes
people to dysfunction emotionally because of them. I, for one, aim to use the
tool properly and fight against myself and my negativity as much as possible. Social
media is a great way to get inspired by seeing other creator’s work, connect
with relatives and friends from far away and expose our own work. We should use them consciously and with a grain of salt, refusing to let
them take over our lives and psyche.
C.T.K.
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