I’ll be the first to say that I love Twitter as much as the next guy. Facebook is great for keeping tabs on old friends (and investigating potential new ones). And we all know that if you didn’t Instagram it, you didn’t actually eat that meal, visit that historical landmark, go to that party or get your name spelled wrong at Starbucks.
Our generation thrives off social media. We work tirelessly every day to craft the perfect lives to showcase on our latest Facebook album that might as well be titled, “Look, I’m having a better life than you are!”
But we don't want to say that, so we show it through status updates and Instagram collages for all of our friends' birthdays. I get it. I run the social media for two different student organizations. My internship this summer? Social media. Throw in managing my personal accounts, and I’m living and breathing social media. But through all of this, there’s one thing that has become an apparent to me:
Social media is kind of ruining our lives.
When did the number of followers or likes become a validation of our existence? Since when does the number of favorites or retweets determine popularity? And has anyone else noticed that the majority of drama stems from social media these days?
“I can’t believe she subtweeted me.”
“He just blocked me on Snapchat.”
“Did you see how slutty she looked in her last Instagram post?”
Our generation lives to document every moment. But what would happen if we didn’t? What if we had dinner with friends and spent more time having real conversations instead of checking our phones? What if we spent more time living our lives instead of showing them off to everyone?
Social media has its moments. It’s amazing how quickly it has transformed our ability to access information and to learn about global issues and events. It has given brands all the answers to their marketing strategy needs, and it has revolutionized the meaning of “viral.” Social sharing is a remarkable thing.
But even though social media has become an integral part of our society, it’s important to remember that it’s not the end of the world if your picture didn’t get 50 likes. Don’t delete your tweet just because it didn’t get any retweets or favorites. Also, put your phone away when it’s not appropriate (date nights, family dinners, quality time with your best friends). Twitter will always be there, but your loved ones might not be.
And the truth is, your mom is probably never going to see that heartfelt Instagram tribute you wrote for her on Mother’s Day.
Go out and buy her some damn flowers.
