Why do it on social media?

Imagine you are at work and your manager bombards you with tasks to be done as soon as possible. Or you are a student who just saw your failing grades in a specific subject. A daughter or son who just argued with your sibling and your parents did not take your side.

Whatever your feelings, you post them online just because you can’t express them directly without thinking about the impact they may have on you and the people around you.

It is just a click away to post your thoughts that you perceive to be right and valid, then receive hundreds of likes and shares from netizens who agree and support them. By that, you think of yourself as a future influencer to many people living online. But really, what is right and valid? Is it because everybody believes you, meaning you are right and your thoughts are valid?

People nowadays, mostly youngsters, are glued to their devices and depend on their perception of life on the social media influencers whom they follow. These online influencers who have a group of followers are indebted to maintain their so-called social values and image so as not to lose their power. They are the ones who set trends and change the beliefs and lifestyles of people who view them as a great influence.

Furthermore, as technology is the fruit of science, lots of businesses become popular and transactions are now made easier online, digital news spreads way faster to a larger group of audience than the newspaper. There are various entertainment online, with vlogging as a popular platform. It is good to know that being a content creator, vlogger, or trendsetter can be monetized and anyone can earn regardless of who they are and where they are from, as long as they upload videos for views.

However, It is undeniable that many influencers today oversimplify complex information and present it in a way that appeals to their audience, often seeking validation or praise rather than fostering a deeper, more thoughtful conversation. The pursuit of likes, comments, and shares has led some influencers to prioritize popularity over responsibility. In doing so, they often neglect the broader impact their content can have on their followers, particularly younger or more impressionable individuals. This desire for attention and approval can lead to the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and unrealistic standards, especially when influencers promote a narrow definition of beauty or success.

One of the most concerning consequences of such negative influence is the rise of cyberbullying. Influencers who promote unattainable beauty ideals or unrealistic lifestyles can set a toxic standard for their audience, leading to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and insecurity. This, in turn, may contribute to bullying or harassment in both online and offline spaces.

Additionally, the spread of fake news or sensational content to gain sympathy or traction has become alarmingly common. Influencers who exaggerate their struggles or fabricate stories in order to gain attention can distort reality, potentially misleading their audience and fostering a culture of distrust.

Moreover, some influencers engage in content-grabbing behavior, using clickbait or exploitative tactics to maximize their reach and clout. This not only undermines the credibility of online content but also fosters a shallow, consumerist culture where the value of information is measured by how much it can generate profit or attention. The worst case is seen in scams, where influencers promote fraudulent products or schemes to capitalize on their followers’ trust and naivety.

Relatively, one would say that social media is their only escape from reality.

What’s with reality that made some people want to escape from it?

Why did social media become an escape when our ancestors survived life without posting or oversharing their life happenings? Unknowingly, the influence that netizens perceive from social media is what makes them chase unrealistic goals, not the other way around. This is why some influencers act like philosophers and cleverly explain life without real basis, just a mere imagination they want people to perceive.

Being right and valid is not about posting everything online. Our word is powerful, we shouldn’t let our intrusive thoughts come out of our mouths. It’s the same on social media.

Influencers should not claim a baseless statement and convince their followers to believe their words to validate their thoughts. Followers should be vigilant of what they accept as the truth.

As my college instructor noted, “When in doubt, verify!” It is a tip for us netizens to take everything with a grain of salt.

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Jean Cristian B. Salas, 22, from Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, graduated from the Surigao del Norte State University with an English degree.