Have you ever stopped and wondered how advanced we are as a society? Self-expression has evolved over and over again right before our very eyes. Nowadays social media is the way to go when you have something on your mind that you want to share, but how did we do it before?
Rewind to my elementary school days over 12 years ago. I was walking to school with my favorite dancing outfit- red sweatpants and a red shirt. I didn't think twice about it then. But looking back, that was my way of expressing myself.
The pants I wore to school were comfortable, like my personality. Anything I said in class was my way of making a statement. I would raise my hand all the time and participate. That was my way of getting things out, even a bit in high school. With the age of social media, we are actually limiting ourselves.
Now, if someone wants to get to know you, sure, they could have your phone number but besides texting, they would just usually ask for your social media account. They don't need to ask what you are up to because the dinner you cooked is already on Snapchat, Instagram Story, or Facebook live. He watched you cook the meal without having to say a word to you.
Aside from clothes and face-to-face conversations back then, self-expression was also done through the arts more frequently, such as drawing, painting, writing, etc., but the difference was that it was shown physically. Nowadays, you can take a picture of anything and it has less sentimental value.
Your grandchildren will be able to see what you had for breakfast 30 years ago, along with a bunch of cat and dog ear selfies. Now, when you finish any work of art you are bragging about it online. Don't get me wrong, it is important to be proud of your artwork. But in today's society, these art pieces are either for shock value, bragging rights or to compete with your friends; focusing on whoever has the most beautiful selfie or inspirational quote.
Now, it is about who presents themselves the best online. Who has the most friends? Who goes to the most places? Who has the most money? Who is the most successful? We were given a platform that could do so much for the next generation, and we've abused it.
Think to yourself now, have we evolved in self-expression in the last ten years or have we taken a step back? Is social media the best possible way to say what you have to say? Sure, there is the argument that if you use it correctly instead of for nonsense, you can really make a difference. You can use social media to promote your business or your art, but now that everyone can do it, is it becoming harder to be considered unique?
