Social media was initially created as a means of enjoyment during our leisure time, a way to unwind after a long day's work in an increasingly globalized world.We’ve become so addicted to it that, for many, social media feels as essential as food, clothing, and air.We find ourselves endlessly scrolling through feeds, absorbing minimal information while constantly seeking entertainment. Online arguments have become a common outlet, providing many with a false sense of validation and significance. Psychologically, those who project their insecurities through negative comments often target others' content, revealing deeper personal issues. A tragic example is the young boy who faced relentless trolling for simply dancing, leading to his untimely suicide.
Social media has transformed into a powerful marketing tool, often encouraging toxic behaviour in the pursuit of self-promotion. Influencers across various fields—beauty, comedy, dance, art, and music—populate these platforms, showcasing carefully curated images that rarely reflect reality. Although movements like MeToo, Black Lives Matter, and LGBTQ+ rights have gained significant traction online, they often shift from genuine activism to mere self-promotion. This shift creates a blend of awareness and toxicity, where the quest for likes and followers overshadows important issues, leading to superficial engagement rather than real change.
Globalization has connected us to a broader media landscape, allowing local events to gain international attention and sometimes prompt government action. The global impact of movements like MeToo and Black Lives Matter highlights significant social issues. However, the fast-paced content creation surrounding these movements can trivialize their significance, reducing serious causes to viral trends. Social media, which once served as a platform for meaningful connection and dialogue, has increasingly become a marketplace where individuals are selling their personas.
Hashtags and viral content now play a central role in shaping public opinion but often lack depth and fail to capture a true understanding of the movements they discuss. Online activism tends to be superficial, designed more to attract likes and attention than to address issues with genuine depth. This trend not only weakens the impact of important causes but also perpetuates a cycle where real change is overshadowed by the pursuit of digital validation. As social media continues to evolve, the challenge is to use it in a way that fosters meaningful engagement and authentic advocacy, rather than simply feeding into the drive for online popularity.
For instance, a beauty influencer recently used the tragic story of a girl who died in Kolkata as background narration for a makeup tutorial. In parts of the world where authoritarian governments still reign, such activism can put people at risk of surveillance, censorship, or worse. Those who engage deeply in these movements often face burnout, as I’ve seen firsthand when friends of mine became overwhelmed by their activism. There must be a limit to how far activism should go, especially online.
As we navigate the evolving landscape of social media, it's crucial to recognize both its potential and its pitfalls. The platforms that have the power to drive meaningful change can also perpetuate superficiality and toxicity. For social media to be a force for good, we must move beyond the allure of likes and viral trends, embracing authentic engagement and true advocacy. This shift requires a collective effort to prioritize genuine activism over digital validation and to foster a culture where real issues are addressed with the depth and sincerity they deserve. Only then can we harness the full potential of social media to contribute to meaningful societal progress rather than merely reflecting the superficiality of our online interactions.
- Monalisa Parida, Bhubaneswar