Learning Journal Entry #1: Thoughts, Comments, and Opinions on Social Media

    Social media can be comforting to some. It can be used to bring individuals closer together. It can also fall along the other end of the spectrum and can feel very isolating at times. Participating in the evolution of social media over the past few decades has been interesting, to say the least. 

    Although I vaguely remember using AIM chatrooms when I was younger, the true start of my journey with social media began with Myspace. Over the years, I have utilized a variety of other platforms like Facebook, Vine, VSCO, TikTok, and Snapchat. The batch of social media platforms I rotate through are Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and occasionally Reddit. 

    The way I conducted myself online has stayed pretty consistent until recently. I was the epitome of a silent supporter. I would view and like others' posts and statuses, but I rarely posted myself. Infrequently, I would update my profile picture and post a few pictures from my day.  At the present, I am much more involved and active online. My main social media platform is Instagram. I regularly update my story and feed on the application. I have also made it a point to comment nice things on the pictures of my followers whenever I get the chance. 

    This shift occurred because I have curated a smaller following on the platform that is composed of people I feel safe sharing my thoughts with. Throughout most of my foray through social media, I cared immensely about what others thought of me and feared being judged. However, now I have chosen not to put so much stock into that and post whatever I like.

    My main mantra behind the way I conduct myself online is “to be kind and be vulnerable.” As stated, above I try to leave uplifting comments and messages on the posts of those I am following. If I see content that I’m not a fan of then I will unfollow the page or simply scroll on. I also am attempting to be more vulnerable online. I have a very bubbly personality but, like most, I have good and bad days. I am trying to portray that as best as I can on my profile. The standout part of social media to me is being able to relate to others and by being more open I feel like I am accomplishing that goal. Other than that, I avoid posting explicit content, profanity, or anything generally in bad taste. The Internet is forever and anything you post may live on well after you delete it from your page. If I could travel back to the beginning of my time on social media, I would highlight this idea and pass it along to my friends and family.

 My Feelings On: 

• Social media and self-expression

    I think that social media can be a useful tool to foster and spread the concept of self-expression. Social media allows millions of people from different walks of life to create their own unique space on the Internet where they can express their thoughts, ideas, and feelings. In my opinion, this is the best part of social media.

• Selfies

    I think that selfies are an effective way to showcase your style and personality. I update my look often so most of the pictures I post online are selfies. However, recently I have been incorporating pictures of landscapes into my feed. 

• Online image

    I believe that your online persona should match how you are in person. It can take a toll on someone mentally by attempting to upkeep a personality or lifestyle that they don’t have.

• Rules/criteria for posting

    In general, I believe that everyone should avoid posting things explicit, hateful, or offensive in nature. Other than this, I think that the rules for posting should be pretty relaxed, within reason.

• Comparing yourself to others

    I believe that comparing yourself to others is unavoidable on social media. The most important thing to keep in mind when you start to compare is that most social media can be seen as a curation. Most people try to portray themselves in the best light. In reality, no one is infallible. 

• Quitting social media

    I believe that taking breaks or outright quitting social media can do wonders for an individual’s mental health. Back in October of last year, I quit Facebook. I found that the atmosphere in my feed on Facebook was very negative and draining and leaving that helped me significantly. It’s all about finding a space in social media that you enjoy.