The social dilemma of having the world of information at our fingertips continues to ripple through time and space with consequences we have yet to fully comprehend.
Violence.
Unnecessary loss of human life.
Everyone pointing fingers at everyone else versus accepting responsibility that is some ways WE all have opened Pandora’s box.
I am heartbroken that human life continues to be expendable, and something that was meant for good has the power to ultimately destroy us.
For days I have sat with thoughts running through my mind on what to write or share. Each time I come to sit the words fail me. A blank screen stares back at me and asks, “When will the violence against each other stop?”
There was a period of time I did not watch the news or the paper. I heavily screened what filters through my feed on social media. Recently, I have taken to watching the news while drinking my coffee and sharing space with Jon before leaving the house. Seems harmless, right?
Insert, my phone is listening, recording my engagements, and silently stalking me. Again, seems harmless, but is it really?
The Social Dilemma
Last month He Who Laughs with several others gathered to watch the documentary, The Social Dilemma, found on Netflix. Even with the knowledge of this powerful documentary, I fell into the trap of not regulating my social media use like I have before. I mean I have a business to run and I DO use social media for the greater good by checking in on those I hold dear. However, the effects of social media on my mental health can hit me like a ton of bricks.
As the documentary hints, the same technology that connects us, also controls us. Various social media executives indicate often in the documentary that there is no “moral” compass regulating these apps. Your personal information is being sold and your attention is being bought. WE are the product that is being bought, sold, and traded online.
I do not like being manipulated.
Social Media Detox & Why You Should Do It
At the root of this technological advancement was a strong desire to keep individuals connected. Social media did not start off being bad. It is greed and the expendable nature of humans that have twisted what was once for good, is now the devil in disguise. Maybe you think that statement is a stretch, but have you ever heard of the devil showing up all scary like? Nope, me neither.
Mental health has seen staggering jumps in suicide rates, depression, anxiety, and bullying since social media made its way on to the scene. The social media timeline is one clearly shows how the AI growth has taken the world by storm.
I try super hard to unplug from my cell phone. I have turned off notifications. The phone is even set to silence because the incessive dinging of notifications is a trigger for my anxiety. While I use my phone and the apps to market my yoga business and He Who Laughs, I also know that intentional unplugging does my spirit a whole lotta good. Connection happens in person and there is no amount of technology that will replace human connection.
Why all this chatter about social dilemmas and social detoxes? The world is on fire and in one way or another WE ARE ALL hurting. I believe we want to be seen, heard, and validated. Please know I can do all of those things and not agree with you. I can be present with you and support you without believing ALL you do. I do see, hear, and validate you without wanting to change you or cause you harm. What I don’t know is how those engagements will be reciprocated.
Safe spaces are necessary for the sharing and processing of constructive conversations. He Who Laughs is hosting a roundtable discussion for The Social Dilemma. Details are in the community group on Facebook. We would love to have you join and be part of the solution. if you can’t join, what are some ways that you are changing how you engage social media?