As members of the information age, it is difficult to recall what life was like before we had access to the world’s information at the speed of the nearest wi-fi connection. If you really think about it, even if you are alone, you are never truly alone. Social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter provide the link between old friends or people users will probably never meet in person. Additionally, these different mediums of communication have essentially formulated their own language. Users have to learn and adapt to the different mannerisms of social media platforms just as they would for any other dialect.
While most social media platforms try to differentiate themselves by offering users a variety of ways to connect with other people, there is one feature that most have in common: the ability to “like” a photo or comment. The action of “liking” a photo has become a staple in the world of social media, and one of the most common and simplest forms of communication. Social media and users alike have shaped the meaning behind “liking” a photo into a form of approval rather than its original connotation, which simply meant that you liked the photo.
Despite how there are many social stigmas which the “like” feature perpetuates, there is one that users tend to gloss over or essentially forget altogether. There seems to be a trend amongst the different social media platforms, for most intentionally forget to add one crucial aspect: the ability to “dislike” a photo. Besides the ability to comment on a photo, users essentially have no other choice but to agree with the post before them. Ignoring a photo is not the same as “disliking” a photo, however, it is the closest thing users have to it. Yes, users can still comment their true feelings or concerns underneath a post, however, there is still the potential for the comment to be reported. Not only does the absence of a dislike button compel users to like a photo, but it also suggests that we, as a generation, should not disagree with what the public suggests is like-worthy. Whether it be a simple photo of friends on Instagram or a political rant on Facebook, users have no other choice but to join the bandwagon or have their opinion stifled by the restrictive language which social media outlets have established.
In retrospect, it is interesting how social media acts as an outlet for those to voice their own opinions, yet they are encouraging just the opposite. Despite how the age of information has brought us closer together as a world, it has also brought an age of sensitivity. With the ability to hide behind a screen and make judgments from afar, our world as a whole has become increasingly reluctant to accept the idea of criticism. The feelings of others are put before our sincere perspective on the matters at hand, taking away from the overall constructive nature of criticism. The language of social media has made us too comfortable with the anonymity which technology has provided us with, allowing us to dish it out, but not take it with the same kind of ease. However, for now, users must comply with the standards and restrictions of the online world, in the hopes of one day being able to truly voice their opinion.
