Social media definitely keeps us connected — but to whom?
While scrolling through my social media timeline recently, I came to a realization. I don’t really know — or honestly care to know — many of the people I follow. And I really doubt they care to know me.
Regardless, these people have become staples in my life due to how frequently I see them on my screen. I saw what colleges they committed to, when they became aunts or uncles, their summer vacations. I know more about these people than I do my neighbors in my apartment building.
There’s no handbook for growing up online. And being the first generation to grow up with the internet, college-aged students are spearheading the curation of online rules and etiquette. We have negotiated what is and isn’t appropriate to post, what platforms should be used for what content and, of course, have defined some social media taboos.
One such taboo is the unfollow button.
In some instances, unfollowing is permitted, even expected. However, in many cases, unfollowing someone is just rude.
Keeping in touch with lots of people isn’t a bad thing though, right? Seeing what people are doing must at least in part bring us a sense of connectivity, which is of enormous value, especially during a pandemic.
However, the depth of that connectivity is undeniably lacking.
Social media is performative by nature. We curate what our online personas look like based off of a number of criteria. And, if someone’s content doesn’t fit what is appropriate, our likes and comments (or lack thereof) let them know.
