Whether it’s via a computer, tablet or smart phone – we’ve all gone face-to-face with Facebook. Sometimes for hours at end… and often for no particular reason at all. We’ve scrolled past the status of that guy posting pictures of his fancy car and his great life. We’ve all gone through our ex’s profile and felt some bitter regret after seeing all the ‘fun’ her Instagram photos tell us she’s having. Then you post some comment about the wonder of life… after which you keep refreshing for any incoming Likes.
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This is how social media has affected our lives. Everyone does it, and so do we. It’s all heightened reality. Yeah, the guy might have a new car that is fancy – but he doesn’t share how he had to work 12 hours a day in a shitty job to get it, and during that process he lost his girlfriend because he was never home. We are trying to live up to ideals that are not realistic. That exist only because of a status update or an image with no context.
It’s become a social norm to send ‘LOLs’ without physically laughing, or smiley faces without being happy. It’s a façade that we indulge in because it’s human that we want to be liked… to be noticed and accepted. Showcasing ourselves – or our lifestyles – as something they’re not makes us feel like we fit in… But is this a bad thing? Who knows. Spending so much time and energy ‘living’ as someone you could not be confident being in ‘reality’, dreaming bigger dreams, or just feeling a sense of confidence… Well, this might at some point cultivate into reality! If it does, well good for you. Just do not say ‘LOL’ to someone. Ever!
Seeing as you spend most of your time on social media, comment your thoughts on this addictive craze bellow or hit us up on twitter @onesmallseedSA
Words: Matthew Alexander
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