Exploring the Complexities of Social Media Engagement
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Chapter 1: The Dilemma of Digital Expression
Are you feeling frustrated by the world around you? Do you find yourself itching for a debate? Perhaps you’ve developed a heightened sensitivity to contentious topics or a low tolerance for opposing views. If you're seeking a venue for your self-righteous anger or a space to assert your beliefs, it may be time to reflect on whether social media is the right fit for you.
Recently, I’ve been grappling with a challenging notion: should I temper my thoughts and opinions to gain popularity on social media? The very idea feels akin to trying to impress the popular kids at a new school.
Why do I care about others' opinions? Historically, this wouldn’t have been a concern for me, but the landscape is shifting, often without our awareness. Regardless of your stance, it’s a complex issue.
Casual browsing of cat memes while waiting for an appointment is one thing, but when social media becomes integral to your profession, it demands serious consideration. As a writer, expanding your audience isn’t just vital; it’s essential for your career. Publishers and editors want to know what kind of audience you bring to the table, not the other way around.
Should I cater to my audience or provoke them? Do I echo their sentiments, or do I challenge the status quo? I’ve never excelled at being sycophantic, so the former seems out of reach, but should I stifle my outrage to connect with a wider audience? It’s a valid question, albeit one without a straightforward answer.
Throughout my career as a branding consultant, I've always advised against chasing after an audience. It’s far better to be your authentic self and trust that a genuine audience will be drawn to you. You can’t please everyone, and attempting to do so is a fool’s errand. However, typically, you wouldn’t deliberately alienate your audience unless that’s your goal.
The Reluctant Provocateur
Throughout my time on social media, I've often been labeled as someone who enjoys stirring the pot. I’ve been described as a contrarian, troublemaker, and instigator. While this has never been my aim, it's hard to deny that my contributions often spark debates rather than consensus, so perhaps the label fits.
Nonetheless, I believe this characterization is overly simplistic and misleading. My goal has never been to incite chaos but rather to highlight viewpoints that are frequently overlooked due to fear or conformity. This motivation has led me to take risks.
I’ve always held the view that simply going along with the crowd is rarely a wise path, a belief that has haunted me since childhood. You don’t need to be a contrarian for the sake of it, but blindly following the herd can lead to dangerous outcomes. I have a strong aversion to trends and movements; when everyone is on board, my first instinct is to question why.
It’s true that if I perceive an issue as strictly black or white, I will introduce shades of gray—not because I refuse to agree, but because I’m skeptical of anyone claiming to possess the absolute truth. My experiences have taught me that the more we uncover, the more we realize our ignorance. Excessive confidence in any singular perspective raises my suspicions.
The Unbearable Dullness of Conformity
Many social media experts argue that conflict fosters engagement, which is why platforms that thrive on interaction promote contentious content. Civil discussions don't generate the same buzz as heated debates, which is why they often go unnoticed.
You may contest this, but consider why similar dynamics arise on platforms without algorithms, like Mastodon. Why are we more attracted to conflict than to consensus? If we’re genuinely in pursuit of truth, we must recognize that surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals yields little growth. If two individuals share identical beliefs, one becomes redundant in the quest for knowledge.
I recently watched the Irish film "The Banshees of Inisherin," which has left a lasting impression on me. This dark comedy not only delves into the dissolution of a platonic friendship but also serves as a poignant commentary on the tension between the comfort of the status quo and the stifling monotony it brings.
Your heart aches for Pádraic, who leads a mundane existence, but if you’ve ever aspired to create or sought more than mere survival, you can’t help but empathize with Colm’s struggle. While Pádraic is content to drink and discuss trivial matters, Colm strives to compose music that transcends his brief life.
The Narcissism of Small Differences
Conformity is a fluid concept, surprisingly dependent on the community in question. Adapting to the majority’s values may be abhorrent to those in the minority. It all hinges on who you wish to align with.
It’s not uncommon for me to adopt a position that contradicts the prevailing opinion in my community because I perceive it as flawed, only to have someone from the opposing camp agree with me that my community's stance is questionable. Instead of distinguishing between viewpoints, I find myself defending my position against those I disagree with and conversing with those I ostensibly align with—a phenomenon Freud termed the “narcissism of small differences.”
I can’t complain too much since this is the environment I’ve chosen. I could easily preach to the choir, confident that my audience shares my biases, believing that we all resent the same individuals. However, that seems both pointless and pandering. I prefer to challenge the mostly-right crowd in hopes of making them even better.
There’s little chance of guiding the misguided if they’re intent on shooting at you as you attempt to illuminate their path. It’s better to seek out willing participants and gently nudge them forward. Whether this grand experiment in forming online communities will result in meaningful social change remains to be seen. For now, I’ll continue to navigate through the darkness like everyone else, hoping for the best.
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The first video, "Is social media good for you? - BBC My World," examines the impact of social media on our lives, exploring both its benefits and drawbacks.
The second video, "Is Social Media Good for You? | Cliff Lampe | TEDxUofM," provides insights into the effects of social media on society and individual behavior, encouraging viewers to reflect on their usage.