The Role of Self-Expression on Facebook
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Role of Self-Expression on Facebook

Taking care of yourself in the real world is more important than promoting yourself on social media.

344
The Role of Self-Expression on Facebook
Facebook

In every structure of society, unwritten rules determine how humans choose to interact with each other. They may be established for undisclosed reasons, but obedience to them is critical. If someone is to intentionally violate the unspoken rules of the culture, the individual will likely be labeled a deviant and face social rejection from his or her community. When this concept is then applied to the online arena of the social network, one quickly learns that the internet has its own set of unspoken principles that may not be explicitly told to the user. For example, the social medium of Facebook is usually not an avenue for meaningful discussion relating to personal matters or controversial issues in society. Rather, it is far more common to have a news feed dominated by pictures from Instagram which feature women looking their best and buff guys doing exhilarating things. Yet many of these posts are from profiles of wealthy individuals who are able to flaunt their social status to various peers online. Their social influence online as the trendsetters online gives them social access over regulating the unwritten codes of Facebook. But this medium of online popularity isn’t limited to the amount of likes on a post, but reinforces power dynamics found in public life.

As a black man of mixed ancestry, there is personal discomfort knowing that my heritage is not the mainstream voice and likely never will be. Just like the "real world", I am forced to be tactful with my vocabulary in order to disavow racist fears of white people. To some extent I feel ashamed, because I will always have to betray who I am without any guarantees of social acceptance. And while Facebook creates an environment where there are minimal social consequences for posting controversial posts, it does not liberate the reality of marginalization. In the same way I have been "unfriended" from peers who were once good friends, I have had my presence disregarded when I befriended people in the real life. Indeed, the power dynamics are still very present.

At the end of the day, I have to remind myself that I matter as an individual in God’s eyes. Yes, Wheaton College is filled with individuals who are members of “closed households” that may never know someone who looks like me. But gaining their social acceptance is a futile task! Even if I got a million likes, several hundred thousand comments, and an abundance of shares the merit of such recognition would not result in any form of personal salvation. Because what really matters is choosing to value my self-worth, becoming active with community events, and caring those who have been unloved.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

53690
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34543
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957004
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181701
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments