World of Social Media

World of Social Media 

Imagine being hungry at night - I believe we all have been in that position before at some point.

What do you do? You head to the kitchen, of course! So, it's dark and late at night, and you’re on a quest to satisfy your midnight hunger. You flip on the lights, and as the lights illuminate the dark room you were once in, there it is - the refrigerator shining like a fresh oasis in the middle of the desert of your late-night starvation.

With a door covered in memories: photos from a fun time at the beach with your friends, your brother's wedding with his... let’s just say, unfavored wife-to-be, and Teddy, your beloved childhood pet who had passed away after a long, cherished life. Frozen in time, each shows a glimpse of your life, waiting to spark conversations when guests come over.  

But then, you open the door to see what lies behind. And just like that, your hopes come crashing down. Empty.

So once again, you fall into a pit of despair with less hope to deal with your late-night troubles.

Isn’t it funny how something that seems so bright, engaging, and filled to the brim with joy can hide such disappointment?

Now, what if I told you that this is what we have been seeing more in today's era?

In today's world, I believe most people have been hopping onto the trend of posting, communicating, and engaging with other people through social media apps (like Facebook, for instance!). Maybe it’s to satisfy your inner FOMO or just to show off your wonderful life for the public to see.

But have you ever considered that your social media profile is like your resume or a business card, which shows your image for other people to, see?

Think about how many people ask for your social media when you meet them for the first time. Even official institutions now request it on applications! Today, it’s not just a way to connect – it’s a way for people to peek into your life.

Who are your friends? Where do you hang out? What kind of person are you? Those questions would be easily answered just by a simple swipe, scroll, and click into someone’s social media account; and just like opening a fridge door, boom – that’s your life on display. Terrifying, isn’t it?

At times, it could be a good thing! Your college admission officer might find your post interesting, perhaps the photo you posted of your volunteering activities touches the heart of your dream university’s admission officer. Or maybe the cute guy from the class next door might discover your love for a good comedy movie – who knows, it could be the start of something special!

Sometimes, it could be the total opposite. The “harmless joke” you left on a celebrity’s post? Your counselor might not find it so funny.

So, before you hit ‘post,’ think twice. But also, remember: never judge a book by its cover… or in this case, by its social media profile. You never really know what’s hiding behind the picture-perfect facade. It could be exactly what you expected, or it might be a complete mess – one that sparks the start of your villain arc.

And perhaps, keep a note on who you talk to in the world of social media. You might not notice the skeletons that are lurking behind the cupboard. An old man? A seven-year-old kid? A scammer? Or perhaps, no “body”. What I mean is, what are the chances an AI bot takes over a social media account and pretends to be a prince-charming as it slides into your DM… right?

By Gracelycia Angeline Serat

22nd October 2024