Social networking is an interesting concept in itself. We literally use technology to create duplicate personas of ourselves in order to impress other people with duplicate personas. Keep in mind that these personas we tend to create are the types of people we wish we were. Yeah, it might look like I’m having the time of my life 24/7, but if you check my accounts, you would never know that I actually just finished burning my chicken nuggets for the third time this week or that I didn’t realize I ran out of shampoo until I was already in the shower today (adulting is hard). Social media is both the best and worst thing that has happened to this generation.
I guess as a social media addict and PR enthusiast myself, I shouldn’t be capping on these platforms too hard. I’ll be the first to admit it – these apps me life. I think by the 12 thousand tweets and daily Instagram posts, you might say I’m going a little overboard. I guess this is just proof that I’ve always been a sorority girl at heart. The networking and socializing is great, but what about the backlash that comes with it? Let me just start by saying that social media has completely ruined the sleep schedule I barely had to begin with. Too many nights of mine are spent scrolling through my Twitter feed until I know every single thing that has happened in everyone’s life. If I’m not on Twitter, I’m probably checking Instagram until I find myself creeping on my best friend’s brother’s roommate’s sorority sister. Oops. And ladies, let me just say this now: do not start scrolling through his favorites on Twitter unless you want to show him hands. Twitter is a dangerous world when you’re talking to someone. You might think you guys are fine until you see his 3am tweet about how his ex from the sixth grade must have been ‘the one.’ You never know until you creep on their feed, ya know?
On a serious note, what about those nights when you realize everyone had the time of their lives going out together while you were at home staring at your planner as you binge watched Family Guy? FOMO (fear of missing out) is real, people! Social networking makes it virtually impossible to feel included in every outing and therefore can take a toll on your ego a little too often. Sometimes commenting TFTI (thanks for the invite) on their perfectly edited Instagram photo just doesn’t cut it. If you are active on Twitter, Snapchat or Instagram, you are guaranteed to see at least one event you missed out on.
Not to sound like a parent, but it’s terrifying to think that these fun going-out posts can permanently tarnish your reputation. I’m sure your mom has told you, “The internet is forever.” Trust me, you don’t know true fear until the interviewer says that they will get back to you after they finish reviewing your social media accounts. Yikes. I'm sure your future employer doesn't care how long you can do a keg stand for. Not only can the use of these platforms hinder job opportunities that come your way, but they can also ruin your personal reputation and be a direct link to every embarrassing moment that you will ever experience. I thought everything in my life was going great until a video of myself doing the cinnamon challenge in high school popped up on my Facebook feed. How Facebook figured out how to ruin my social life, I'm not sure. These are the memories that will haunt me forever (mostly because I had straight across bangs and braces). Be smart, everyone! Don’t post things you wouldn’t want your future employer or that hot guy in your math class to see because chances are, they probably will.
I guess the use of social media is like any other relationship – it’s a give and take. Despite all this, this is still the strongest relationship I've ever had. Even with all the negatives, I'm as loyal as any social media addict can be. On that note, happy posting everyone.
P.S. 10/10 would not recommend the cinnamon challenge.
