Tuesday, August 18, 2015

What has social media done to us?



The more I look at it, the more I am convinced that social media has turned us humans into a narcissistic, self-obsessed race. It’s all about documenting our lives like we are part of some sort of reality TV show. And don’t even get me started on the selfie trend; I could write a whole post on how much I hate the selfie trend, but for now, let me just say- that has really taken narcissism to different levels. Is it just me or do other people also find it weird to be this obsessive?  


I mean really, photographing your life and showing it off to the world just seems to be such a tiring task. It’s like we’ve all become our very own paparazzi crew, our own agents showcasing our “talents” to the world. At the rate we are going, the concept of privacy will soon be extinct.


The saddest part is that the pictures portrayed to the world often do not match what really goes on. Behind the fake smiles and glitzy images of peoples so-called perfect lives is reality, and we all know that reality is far from perfect.


This brings to mind a Shakespeare quote from the play “As You Like It”, it goes like this:
“All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances”



This honestly seems so appropriate to today’s world, far more appropriate than it was in Shakespeare’s time. Social media has indeed turned us into “players” in this “game of life”. Our lives are acts, shows put on for the world to see. A grand play for everyone to watch and comment on.


I just wonder, what will we do when it is our time to make our exit from this world? Have we done enough “real” things? Would our existence have made a meaningful difference, or have we wasted too much time showing off our lives for all the world to see?


How will we be remembered? 


I don’t know about you, but I would certainly want my life to be more than a portrayal on social media, and I definitely do not want to spend my life as an actor on a stage.


Image from here  



7 comments:

  1. This is a very wise and important post. JazakAllah khair for sharing the truth and wisdom, dear sister.

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  2. agree with you, I cant stand selfies,

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  3. Sister Sheima and Nammi

    JazakAllah Khayr for your comments, may Allah be the guide of us all and save us from nonsensical trends;-)

    Stay well always

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  4. Hello, Darling,
    yes, it has definitely gone too far,
    but I'm to blame myself. I document
    many things on social media about domestic violence, books I've read, Kay, chocolate chip cookies, &
    the last trips I've been on.
    I've even taken a selfie, which I've said I'll NEVER do.
    Thank you for the reminder to live in the REAL world accomplishing REAL things w/ REAL people.
    Yes,
    I agree.
    Sometimes it's all just TOO much. xxxxx

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  5. Kim

    It does become too much, but that doesn't mean that there is no value in social media. I think that if there is a purpose behind it, like awareness of domestic violence etc then its a great way to get messages out, it's the self centredness of it all that gets to me, it creates competition and so on and just feels to me like we can get lost in it all.

    Thanks for your comment, stay well and in peace always

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  6. I can't agree more with you Zarina. Social media is interesting to share ideas, to connect with like-minded people. Social media in important if it gives a chance to pass on messages, to share peace and other invaluable and inspiring messages.
    Otherwise I don't see the use of it. As you say we merely show the reality of our lives. And it makes over jealous around what we can call lies.

    Strange world. But yours come to remind us what really counts and what matters. Thank you. May you be blessed my friend.

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  7. Marie

    I hope that you are doing well, its been a while since we have exchanged some thoughts, but life does tend to get busy.

    Thank you for your comment, I think I need to remind myself of what is real and what is illusion and it just helps when you can share your thoughts with others.

    Let's make the intention to use all the tools we have (including social media) for beneficial purposes.

    You stay blessed as well, and may you always have peace;-)

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