Social media doesn’t break social connections, rather, exposes their fragility
Blaming technology especially social media for bringing people apart has become popular today. Making people feel guilty about themselves and those who are close to them. Social media itself is full of quotes, photos and article demonizing social media.
But as every conviction in our lives we can approach social media with another perspective.
Let’s be frank, when two people are together (Couples, friends, or family) and both (or one) of them is completely taken by social media paying no attention to each other, they are not interested in being with each other in the first place. This implies that what really important to either of them is accessible at this moment only through social media. As social media is not an occupation itself rather a portal to what really feels important. If they actually like being together, social media wouldn’t have made them ignore each other. But when they are together because they are supposed to be together, out of duty, out of habit or simply because they don’t have another choice they can be easily distracted by social media.
If you are the one who is ignored, you shouldn’t take it personally as each one has different interests, dreams, goals and demands. You can’t simply be the right person for everyone. You shouldn’t seek others attention unless they give it voluntarily. If someone is not interested in being with you the only thing you may get from asking/forcing him to be attentive is fake attention and interest which will subside eventually. You shall consider insecurity you feel that makes someone’s interest is crucial to your well being. You shall simply pardon yourself and find someone who is already interested in you, if you can’t find one it is even better as you have the chance to take care of yourself, be emotionally independent and find your own worthiness apart from anyone.
If you are the one who finds what he likes in social media, making new ties, finding new activities that are more appealing to you, this is exactly what you should be doing.
At the same time social media severs social ties it builds another new real, authentic and meaningful ones.
Someone may lose touch, connection with those who are physically close but he gets in touch with those who are mentally or emotionally resemble him, those who are already close on many levels rather than the physical one. Many people are more likely to find those who share the same interests, hobbies, mindsets, problems and suffering with them on social media than in their immediate societies. They can benefit from their experiences. Find solutions for their chronic problems.
On many levels social media brings like-minded people together, consolidates their energy making synergy out of them. Which has benefited humanity more than ever. Think of how many causes had been brought to public attention by the pressure of social media. How many ideas find support through social media that couldn’t be found earlier.
Thanks for reading.
I think it depends on the type of social media. Steemit is the first one that I am enjoying being involved with and can see the value. Interesting post. : )
True what you said. Although, don't you think social media distances people appart from one another? couples especially?
Compare the connection everyone had in the 1980's with our present. People were much more connected then than now. Connecting through social media progressively becomes less satisfying . You always remain sort of empty..
Let's say all your initial hook up was totally on social media. When you come face to face with that person, you literally don't know what to say or how to behave...
virtual reality and physical reality are quite different in terms of interaction.
If a couple is completely satisfied with one another social media can't distance them.
In 1980's life had been less demanding. It has been easy to appreciate others for who they are. And if not they are not happy but they didn't have options which is completely not the case right now.
Connecting through social media is not satisfying itself but it gives the opportunity when taking the connection to the next level. and when you don't know what to say you can give yourself the opportunity to connect with other people until you find yourself completely satisfied. in all cases the first connection before social media had been weak so you had chosen it.
true. great reply. thank you :)
I like your take on this. Whether we like it or not social media is going to be around in our future. We have to find ways of dealing with this socially.
Good thought provoking post!
I believe it holds great benefits to humanity. making convictions and ideas available to everyone. You pick what you like rather sticking to what you have.
I know many people who would arrange a meeting and then at site there wasn't any mutual exchange taking place because everyone had to "just send only this one message". How boring! :)
They need to learn not to arrange meeting with each other anymore, rather arrange with those whom they message :)
😃 that is the point! They message to arrange a meeting, and when the meeting is there they message to others again. Then they meet those they messaged during the meeting, and when they meet they message others again! A vicious circle!
I always say it isn’t social media but I’ve come to realize that if they have an account together one or both parties monitor who you dm, like a picture , and create a negative situation out of their insecurities or just that they have already drifted apart and it had nothing to do with social media. Thank u for this! Great read. Upvoted and resteemed
You welcome @orlena and thank you 🙏🏻.
Just one question, sorry for being too direct, but how old are you? Social media brings people together? ... I was there when social media as such started ... connected some people then tear them apart. There is no real social interaction when you are hiding behind the screen, it is more like imagery friend.
Welcome @Dijana969 and thanks for being direct.
Social media bring Like-minded people together regardless of how far apart they are in terms of distance. Like-minded people Includes multitude of things not only relationships, People who share the same passion, interests, mentalities, and whatever might be mutual. and it is up to them to get off their screens and build something more tangible.
As example, I love reading but no one in my entourage share the same hobby. It was through Facebook that I found a group of people in my city starting a book club in a bookstore. I joined them, now we are friends for almost 4 years.
When it comes to dating, if a couple is distracted by social media and not being fully with each other, they shouldn't be together in the first place. through social media you may find new people, meet them in real life and start a relation which might succeed or fail like any other relations. I didn't mention staying behind the screens which is completely pointless.
Hope my point of view has been clarified in this comment.
Social media can't always be the main culprit. People have different aspirations and hobbies. As long as the communication channels are still working fine for a couple, and they are true to themselves, things will work out.
Exactly, it provides new options for people to find what resonates with them.
You are 100% on target with this. Brilliant writeup
Thank You :)
You're welcome