Many who have recently met me might be surprised to learn that I was a latecomer to the world of social media. I never engaged in the AOL Chat scene, and by the time I found MySpace, it was already on its way out. However, everything changed after I became a parent eight years ago. I started blogging and craved connection with friends and family scattered across the country.
At first, social media was simply a fun space to interact with people I knew in real life. My friends list was primarily made up of close friends, and I was hesitant to accept requests from strangers. I think many of us felt that way back then.
Fast forward to today, and things have taken a wild turn. We’ve lowered our defenses. Now, I often scroll through my feed and wonder, “Who is this person?” It’s completely wild!
Social media has become intertwined with our daily lives. What was once a side aspect of our reality is now front and center. But here’s the kicker: in real life, people mature. Sure, we all face our share of drama during school years, but eventually, we grow up and recognize how trivial it all was.
Yet, in this “social media is everything” era, we seem to be reverting back. There’s a mob mentality where we unite to take down individuals. We’ve revived old-school name-calling while introducing new forms of online shade.
Honestly, I’m exhausted by it and, quite frankly, embarrassed. I’ve seen adult women, mothers even, engage in lengthy arguments about who bought Instagram followers. Seriously? We’re arguing about INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS? WHO CARES?
And you know what? I found myself refreshing that thread all day like I was watching a reality show unfold.
What’s even more cringe-worthy than spending hours observing these chaotic exchanges is when I’ve participated myself, posting absurd status updates and tweets. I’ve stirred the pot and engaged in emotional debates with people I’ve never met in person. What is this madness?
Recently, I posted a simple message on Facebook encouraging kindness. I had been feeling uneasy about how much I share on social media, so I was hesitant to post at all. I carefully crafted my words to avoid any potential conflict, but someone still decided to call me out for something she thought I did wrong online. When I deleted her comment, she hurled insults at me! On my Facebook page, where I’m connected with my pastor, colleagues, and friends from my daughter’s school—she dropped the F-bomb over something so trivial. I was mortified.
Imagine trying to explain to someone from your Bible study group that you don’t really know the person who just insulted you online, despite being “friends” for years. We’ve never shared a meal or exchanged phone numbers. Yet, something I did online was so offensive that it warranted a public rant. It’s baffling and downright strange.
As someone who works extensively online, I’m more tuned into social media dynamics than many of my offline friends. There are aspects they simply won’t grasp, and that’s okay. I appreciate the connections I’ve made and the opportunities that arise from being active on social media. Tools like social media can be beneficial for learning and connecting with others on a larger scale. Maybe I’m just too deep into it.
The high school-like antics of social media are starting to wear me down. I’ve been questioning whether I want to immerse myself in a space where arguing with strangers is commonplace. Could my time be better spent offline? Is there a more meaningful way to connect with others than scrolling and liking posts all day?
I don’t have the answers yet, but I’m definitely pulling back. I’m trimming my friends list and making an effort to engage with the people who genuinely matter to me. The mute, unfriend, and block features are getting a workout. I didn’t endure four years of high school just to relive it online.
Man, I really miss MySpace.
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In summary, social media has morphed into a high school-like arena that often feels petty and absurd. While it provides opportunities for connection, the drama and conflict can be overwhelming. As I step back and rethink my social media engagement, I aim to focus on meaningful interactions and a healthier balance.
Keyphrase: social media high school drama
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