"The Social Dilemma" & Digital Mindfulness

   

    It's no secret that social media is a very powerful tool in today's society. It's everywhere we go, especially in the midst of a pandemic, where most tasks are being done online. This weekend I learned more about how powerful social media is by watching The Social Dilemma, a documentary that was recently released on Netflix. Despite the poor representation through the tacky reenactments of the effects of social media, the message was still well conveyed; Social media has a psychological impact on people and corporations are exploiting their platform users. 

    The documentary consisted of a team of experts who used to help develop different platforms, for example, the developer of the Facebook "like" button, the ex-head of monetization on Facebook, a Pinterest algorithm developer and so on. The people who helped develop these platforms admit that they never intended for social media to be used in the way it is today. For example, when the Facebook "like" button was created, it was made with the intent to spread positivity. However, it has evolved into something quite the opposite. Users today often feel upset when a post does not receive a large sum of likes, resulting in them acting a certain way to gain those likes. This may entail tweaking a picture of one's face (using an application) to fit their followers' perceived beauty standard, which can lead to body image issues. Additionally, the documentary also showed how social media platform developers try to create an algorithm that will keep their users coming back, essentially making them dependent or addicted. They want to do this because their platforms almost always show advertisements, which allows them to monetize the application/website. 

        At the end of the documentary, it was noted that social media needs to develop in a way where using it would be more ethical. On the other hand, it made me realize how important digital mindfulness is. It is important to use social media with intent rather than to scroll mindlessly through it. Making conscious decisions before clicking on links, posts and videos is a good first step. This can look like researching the information learned from online posts before sharing, avoiding a recommended video from time to time or even better, setting aside time to stay off your phone. Being in control of your usage helps beat the system. I found that an application called Forest is helpful with this. You set a timer to grow a virtual plant and as long as you do not touch your phone during that time, the plant will grow successfully. If not then it will wilt and stay in your "garden". Ensuring you have time away from your phone is crucial as it helps balance out your social media usage. Using social media in moderation has a positive impact on mental health. Too much of it and it can consume you negatively.

    Furthermore, mental health is not the only thing that is affected by social media. The way people perceive you is affected as well. When I talk about perception, I am not referring to how many likes you can rake up. I am talking about employers, those in charge of college admissions and other people who may have an affect on your career/life. Therefore, digital mindfulness is not just about how you use social media but what you post on social media as well. Josh Ochs, author of Light, Bright & Polite has a chapter that touches on this subject really well. Here are some tips:

1. If you show up to a party where something illegal is happening, the best thing to do is leave. Even if you do not partake in the "activities", you may still end up in someone else's pictures or even be tagged in it. 
2. Everything you say online should be treated as a public diary. Think twice before posting something that may seem negative or hurtful. 
3. Try not to post about work. If you do, keep it professional and positive. Companies care about their image.
4. Do not post "dark humor" or any other jokes that may be deemed as offensive. What is funny to you may not be funny to others and can even be hurtful/harmful. 
5. Do not post during an important personal life event. Keeping your personal business to yourself prevents others from getting involved/affecting your life. 
6. Do not brag online, you can make yourself a target for robberies or just attract unwanted attention in general.

Being mindful of what you post can help you avoid making mistakes that may result in an unfavorable outcome. As long as you use social media in moderation and with good intent, you can reap the benefits that come with it, saving your mental health and building your personal brand in the long run.