It’s a slow news day, but we happened to dig up an old blog post Naturi did with Essence Magazine on social media, and the actress made good points we wanted to share.
She writes:
I’m concerned that some people are using social media recklessly, irresponsibly and obsessively; feeding their arrogance, cowardly criticizing others, and projecting falsehoods. From my observation, many people are fighting to be seen and heard and are doing whatever it takes to gain popularity. Remember the influx of “butt selfies”?
Many adolescents and young adults fall prey to the images they see on social media and in turn emulate them. Once again, our need to be liked resurfaces; yearning to be accepted physically and boosted emotionally. Many want to be “Instagram Famous”. I use the term “Instagram Famous” simply for emphasis because Instagram is a fairly new and popular platform where we can share pictures endlessly. Of course this isn’t exclusive to Instagram. I would add that some are “Facebook Faking” or “Twitter Tripping.”
Essentially, it’s not always real! Did we really buy something from Saks Fifth Avenue just because we took a picture by the store window and posted it? Are we actually in VIP of the club when we post a picture with the hashtag “popping bottles in VIP”? I wonder if we are trying to prove how happy life is, how connected we are or how successful we’ve been. Why not just be happy, value your connections and enjoy your success, without obsessing over how many people know about it? Waiting for the “likes” to add up might hold you hostage, hindering you from actually living your life!
Unequivocally, modern society is social media crazy! Words like status, timelines, posts and newsfeeds are tossed around daily. These terms alter our views of the world and how we see ourselves. Some changes are for good and some are not as positive. More and more people, including businesses equate one’s value to their social media following. The more followers we have and the more “likes” we acquire, compel us to think: “now people like me”, “I’m accepted”, “I’m valuable” or “I’m special.” Ironically, these platforms seem to be deflating our self-confidence while simultaneously inflating our egos. Maybe you don’t need everyone’s approval as much as you think. Your daily upload doesn’t make your life any more valuable.
The truth is, you are already special and your life is priceless before you click “share”. Live your life now and worry about your timeline later!
What are your thoughts?
Man if this wasn’t on time. There’s some people I’m friends with on Facebook who annoy me so much but I don’t say anything because it’s not my place to call them out for being posers. All I know is it’s crazy to see likable people in real life be so unlikable on social media.
Amen.
This is why I don’t like social media anymore. Everyone is so vain now yet insecure at the same time.
She is right I always see people on IG or facebook frontin like things are one way when I know for a fact they aren’t living what they are portraying. I say nothing because it isn’t my place but it shows you how much people live for social media gratification.
Facebook and Instagram gives people a chance to pretend they live the lives they wish they had.
I love ha!!!!!!!
If this ain’t the truth.
Agree 100%!! It’s ridiculous and making so many superficial and ignorant to what’s really important.
Amen. That’s why I had to get off of Facebook! Too many frauds!
Everybody is trying their hardest to pretend like life is perfect on social media.
Ladies , I’ve NEVER had any social media accounts ever . My family and longtime friends are baffled by my resistance to it because they’re so caught up in that bs . Then I get this ” but you’re so pretty” all the time like that’s going to sway me lolz .I’m extremely private , my hubby doesn’t do social media either, never has . I don’t allow people to post me nor my children on there . If I want to be bothered , I’ll find you because I’m sure you have social media accounts . I can’t tell you ladies how many times I’ve went on people’s accounts , only to be disgusted by them perpetrating , bullying , and grandstanding . Certain females/males I know , on there telling in great detail , about their sexual escapades to upset their exes , their exes’s new partners ,or simply out of desperation . That’s how I know I’m not missing ish , social media does more harm than good nowadays , morally corrupt people have zero boundaries . Smdh
I agree with you. The fights are humiliating. I do have social media accounts to promote my businesses or things I would like to share. I never use it to fight, show off my booty shorts (if you can call it that these days) or my husband. I’m okay with people sharing laughable cute moments or even new experiences of their life as long as it is respectful. The fakeness i can do without like everytime you are on there you are saying you are out of the country, or you have all LV luggage (9 pieces) and yet you have no job. You are wearing everything namebrand (the high end of names) and yet you live in an income driven apartment for low income families and you drive a 300 Chrysler but tricked it out to look like a Bently. Makes absolutely no sense.
Yes, say that. I am going to have to frame this and send to a few people privately. I absolutely agree whole heartedly! Hammer to the Nail!
Yeah She wrote this