Have you watched Social Dilemma? It’s a great documentary on how we are being manipulated by social media and is perhaps an argument to delete social media accounts.
An Argument To Delete Social Media Accounts?
Jason Lanier, the author of Ten Arguments For Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now, tells this story on Social Dilemma: When you go to Wikipedia, we all see the same thing. It’s one of the few things online that we all share in common. Now, just imagine if Wikipedia said, “we’re going to give each person a different customized definition, and we’re going to be paid by advertisers for that.” Wikipedia would be spying on you, calculating what it could do to get you to change on behalf of a commercial interest. That’s exactly what’s happening on Facebook. Reality is customized for each person.
Those of us who are interested in politics know how social media is being used to spread fake news. We’ve seen the terrible outcome of this in India where politicians have used this to whip up religious sentiments and set one community against another.
But if you, like me, have also experienced the good side of social media, does it make sense to delete all accounts? I’m in a lot of great groups on Facebook. I love watching the creations of others on Instagram. I love sharing my work and that of others on Twitter. Should I quit these platforms? I don’t think so.
I’ve decided to be prudent about using them. Not only do I restrict my time on these platforms, I don’t see them as a source of news. I’ve taken the apps off my phone (except Instagram as I’ve mentioned before) and all notifications have been disabled. Also, I’ve always been particular about fact-checking information I share. Another trick is not to click on recommended articles – they’re usually paid for and therefore, pushed. Do your own research instead. And naturally, be careful too about what you share. Do read this recent post of mine to be #PrivacyAware.
What’s your relationship with social media and on which side of this argument are you on?
#Write28Days
I’m undertaking the #Write28Days Challenge and will be posting every day in February. I will combine this with my regular features – #MondayMusings, #FiveMinuteFriday and #100WordsOnSaturday.
Great post! We always need reminders to tread carefully where social media platforms are concerned. I don’t use them for a news source, I fact check before sharing, and I try to avoid mindless scrolling
Yes, we can never be too careful, can we. Thanks for stopping by.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..The Blogging Predicament
I use your approach too. I still use social media, but I try to avoid the “suggestions” it makes for me, as much as it is within my control. I try to adjust my settings to receive recent posts first instead of the “most popular” posts. Social media has been a lifeline for staying in touch with distant friends and family during the pandemic.
Especially being a writer and wanting to promote my work, these are difficult questions.
Hi Corinne,
After releasing my eBook on the chaotic nature of social media I am thinking more deeply about my use on these platforms for the very reasons you share here. The Wikipedia argument is true to the core. Social media is tailored to such a point that it has moved from some semblance of truth to an imaginary world. I keep accounts open but spend most time and energy independent of social, blogging and commenting genuinely on blogs.
Ryan
Ryan K Biddulph recently posted..7 First Impressions of Panama City Panama
I’ve never used notifications for social media, and I try to limit my time on it. I’ve reconnected with friends and family that live far away. I am in some groups and have met people I wouldn’t have, without social media.
You gave me lots to think about and a new book added to my “to-read” list. Thank you!
One thing I will add is that blogs are also considered social media.
This is a great post. You hit the nail on the head about these things I have been mulling over for quite some time. Well I have Twitter, I’m not a fan and prefer not to use it. My website has a page. I have 2 personal facebook accounts, the first one I’ve had for years, and again I’m not a fan, so I don’t use that one. I recently made a new one for the intention of following and joing groups from like minded people in Christ I’ve met here in the blogosphere. I’m on MeWe as of 11/2020. I prefer Pinterest and Instagram, LinkedIn too. I’ve just been Leary about social media for the past several years now. So I only use a few. I try to be discerning. Blessings.
Visiting from #write28days
Hi Corinne, this is a sensitive subject and one that evokes strong feelings for many people. Personally, I stopped posting to my FB account about a year ago, but it is still active. I can’t quite bring myself to hit delete, because I do enjoy a couple of groups that I participate in with my photographs and I like being able to stalk my relatives. I feel it coming though, especially after their recent ‘censorship’ attempts. I have never ‘shared’ a post, and have often cautioned friends about doing so. Fact-checking is essential in this ‘fake news’ world we live in. Those who copy, share, type Amen, etc. are just asking for trouble. I am not a fan of Twitter and will NEVER have an account. I don’t see the point. Instagram is a fun forum for me as it affords me the opportunity to share my photography and enjoy that of others. I know how to spot the accounts that are fake and have been jacked-up by Bots, and I know when I have attracted one as a ‘follower’. That is just an unfortunate side-effect of being on that forum. Other than the pressure it puts on young people to strive for perfection, I laud it as the most positive social media platform out there. I wish more 50+ folks would join in and share their perspectives. Snopes.com is a great resource for fact-checking anything that simply doesn’t ring true.
Great post! I’ve also seen The Social Dilemma and think everyone should see it. While I don’t use social media for news, etc., I do love to connect with friends. But watching that documentary has helped me be more aware of what is going on. And I like the way they realize that it’s not going away but we definitely need to make changes. Blessings to you!