Logging off Social Media

[pietasterp]

Re: Logging off Social Media

What percentage of general human interaction is mindless in that same way? Every time I see someone say social media sucks I read it as people suck, and theres no easy way around that one.

General human interaction? Probably some reasonably high percentage. But I would say that for me, >80% of my interactions with people are definitely NOT "Happy Birthday" or some other such limited interaction. It's not zero, but it's not 80+%.

Also, I would argue that wishing someone a happy birthday in person is another level of social interaction entirely than simply typing it in a box on Facebook. I suppose reasonable people can disagree on that.

Yeah, social media itself isn't the problem - people are generally jerks. Social media has only made it worse in that we all have easy access to platforms to air these grievances if we want.

It's at least part of the problem. The whole idea of actual social interaction is that people mediate their inherent "jerkiness" in real life because it's not compatible with functional social interaction. People that are huge jerks in real life tend not to have a lot of friends or supporters, and much of the things people say on social media (in the way they are said) might get you punched IRL. But many people on social media are a totally unfiltered, un-chastened by social norms, worst possible version of themselves (at times). And those people drive "engagement", either via rebuke or response.

There's value in real life social norms and decorum. Or at least, there used to be...

[DieHardYankee26]

Re: Logging off Social Media

You'd really have to break down that 80% and figure out what exactly someone deems meaningless. Also would probably have to figure out a way to account for bots. It's definitely another level of social interaction to say it in person but whether that makes it meaningful is a little different.

[SmashMan]

Re: Logging off Social Media

It's at least part of the problem. The whole idea of actual social interaction is that people mediate their inherent "jerkiness" in real life because it's not compatible with functional social interaction. People that are huge jerks in real life tend not to have a lot of friends or supporters, and much of the things people say on social media (in the way they are said) might get you punched IRL. But many people on social media are a totally unfiltered, un-chastened by social norms, worst possible version of themselves (at times). And those people drive "engagement", either via rebuke or response.

There's value in real life social norms and decorum. Or at least, there used to be...

I can agree with that. I see that specific mental disconnect of interacting through a screen instead of face-to-face as a bigger factor than the social platforms themselves, but at this point that might be a distinction without a difference.

[bravesfan1984]

Re: Logging off Social Media

Between an extremely busy work day and then hitting the gym, I went the entire day without checking my phone...first time in a long, long time and I have to say it felt pretty amazing.

[pietasterp]

Re: Logging off Social Media

Between an extremely busy work day and then hitting the gym, I went the entire day without checking my phone...first time in a long, long time and I have to say it felt pretty amazing.

Yeah, it's amazing how much more peace of mind one has when they aren't connected 24-7. Most "information" isn't really particularly useful, important, or conducive to good mental health...

[mpklub]

Re: Logging off Social Media

Facebook and LinkedIn are the only social media accounts I use. LinkedIn is obviously for professional networking and facebook is just to see what people I care about but don't see often are up to. Keep nothing on my phone. It's great.

[DJ]

Re: Logging off Social Media

Being in the sports industry, I have to be connected to the platforms to do my job effectively. That said, I don't use them much anymore when I'm not working and am even taking steps to try and find job opportunities that require less frequent posting/usage.

[PPerfect_CJ]

Re: Logging off Social Media

I use Twitter to keep up with sports teams and the shows that I watch. My Facebook account is strictly for my family and for friends that I have in real life. I don't accept any request from random people. Keeps things a lot better. Still wish I could make myself look at it less, tho.