The Benefits of Social Media Engagement

Do you have a negative view of social media? Many people do, believing it harms interpersonal relationships and isolates individuals. However, is this perception entirely accurate? Personally, I don’t engage much with social media—not because I think it’s detrimental, but because I feel out of touch with contemporary trends.

In contrast, I have numerous friends who thrive on social media, seeing it as a platform to connect, meet new people, and enjoy themselves. Rarely do I hear them lamenting about its harmful effects; instead, they seem to relish in building relationships and crafting their own narratives online.

While I’d rather watch a mundane documentary than scroll through Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram, that’s merely my personal choice. It’s not a valid reason to label social media as harmful. Through my observations of others’ experiences, I’ve come to understand that social media may not be as detrimental as it seems—in fact, it could be quite the opposite.

Today, I’ve reassessed my stance on the filters that many use to enhance their appearance. While some may vehemently oppose them, I now believe that it’s essential to adopt a more open-minded view of how individuals choose to present themselves in the digital world.

Why do so many people seek refuge in the online space? A teenager might quickly reply, “Because their lives are unsatisfying.” If individuals were content with their reality, would they really spend so much time online?

Let’s be honest: many women feel dissatisfied with their appearance, and many men grapple with insecurities about their finances and physique. For them, real life can feel confining, while the internet offers a sanctuary where they can manifest their ideal lives with minimal effort. Social media simply amplifies human desires and aspirations that may go unfulfilled in the physical world.

When someone feels inadequate—whether due to financial struggles, perceived unattractiveness, or a lack of confidence—they can easily slip into a state of isolation and despair. In such instances, the online realm becomes a refuge, allowing them to craft a more appealing identity. Once they experience the allure of online validation, returning to their physical existence might feel less appealing. So, why do we insist on pulling them back into a reality that has initially rejected them?

Consider this: how much time do you devote to the online world compared to real-life interactions? Is it fair to suggest that our physical presence is merely a vessel for activities while our minds often wander into the digital realm?

Imagine engaging with virtual reality technology, becoming mentally detached from the tangible world. Would our physical identities retain their value? If individuals are curating new personas online, might their digital selves become more authentic than their real-life counterparts?

When we critique social media’s frivolous content and filters, we often miss the underlying reasons for people’s attraction to them. One major hurdle is that many individuals cling to outdated beliefs, longing to pull others back into a bygone era when they see someone embracing change. It’s akin to parents trying to rein in their children’s behaviors that clash with their own ideals. We need to appreciate the generational differences and the unique circumstances that shape their experiences. What seems trivial to one generation may carry significant meaning for another.

Who are we to label something as harmful if we don’t fully grasp its essence?

Many perceive filters on platforms like TikTok and Instagram as detrimental, while others find them entertaining or visually appealing. The latest smartphones come equipped with filters that enhance one’s appearance. If you were to take an unfiltered selfie, would it accurately represent your true self? People wouldn’t choose one phone over another if they didn’t believe that certain cameras improved their looks. If individuals enjoy compliments and aspire to appear attractive, why the criticism of filters? Does this reflect a conflict between their self-image and self-confidence?

If someone is self-assured yet dislikes the artificiality of digital enhancements, they could opt for an older phone and post unedited images without concern for engagement. Many rely on filters to feel more confident while showcasing themselves online. Suggesting that someone simply “be more confident” overlooks the complexities of their reality, especially in a world where those around them receive praise for their curated digital appearances. Unless someone is indifferent to their looks or naturally appealing, the notion of inner confidence is an ideal that many find challenging!

Utilizing filters on social media doesn’t equate to a lack of self-assurance; it merely reflects the desire to present oneself attractively in a superficial world. It’s akin to putting on makeup for a date—if makeup signifies insecurity, then presumably over 90% of women would lack confidence, which is nonsensical!

Engaging with others online is neither superior nor inferior to face-to-face interactions; introverts will struggle to connect regardless of the medium. For some, the internet offers a chance to connect with a broader audience. Personally, I was quite introverted before I started writing here. I found small talk tedious, but after a year of writing, I’ve become more sociable in real life. Isn’t that a positive outcome of social media?

People are increasingly biased against idealized perceptions; simply removing social media or its filters won’t solve future challenges. Soon, more individuals will pursue studies in computer science, artificial intelligence, and digital communication than any other field. We are entering an age of digital identity, rendering traditional values and lifestyles less relevant.

As you walk down the street, checking likes on your online posts, your thoughts may be intertwined with your digital persona, often disregarding those around you. The thrill of dopamine remains constant, whether experienced online or offline; if individuals cannot achieve it in the real world, why deny them the opportunity online?

In digital relationships, what significance does physical appearance hold? Whether or not social media exists, we all crave connection, love, and recognition. Social media isn’t inherently harmful; it reflects human insecurities and desires for comfort. The next time you encounter someone acting out on TikTok, strive to understand their motivations.

Look beyond superficial explanations such as attention-seeking or financial gain. Their actions may stem from a yearning for joy or acceptance that their physical surroundings fail to provide. Perhaps society has not embraced them as they are, leading them to find solace in a digital realm far removed from the harshness of reality.

This video discusses the effects of social media beauty filters and editing apps on our mental health, exploring both negative and positive influences.

This video dives into how social media beauty filters impact mental health, offering insights into societal perceptions and self-image.

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— © Nour Boustani 2023