Anti-social media

What we call social media, how social is it really? Millions upon millions of people, instead of socializing with each other, sit on their own and send out images and texts in cyberspace in the hope of being part of a community, to be seen, to be listened to.

Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe it is not at all the intention that social media should be the new form of socializing for modern people, but just a stage, a podium, an arena, where we can be the star, the one who is in the centre, unchallenged in the moment. But while we create a diary of the life we hope others will believe we are living, the trolls and haters sit waiting in the wings, ready to destroy the illusion of our own brilliance. And the people we want to reach out to don’t have time to read because they’re working on their next post.

If you haven’t already scrolled on, my suggestion is that you consider whether there isn’t an old relative, or a friend you haven’t seen in a while, who would appreciate the warmth and closeness that only a living human contact can provide. Someone who needs a hand to hold, a hug, someone who would be glad to share a coffee or a meal, talk about this and that – maybe sensitive and difficult things – without having to think about how it should be worded to make an impression when you press ‘send’.

I believe in the importance of sharing your time and presence, not just other people’s media posts. At some point in your life, it will be your turn to be the one who needs another human being. In person.