Social Media: The Theatre of the Absurd

Social Media: The Theatre of the Absurd

LETTERS TO THE PROMPT

When contemplating the question “How do you use social media?” it becomes evident that on both sides of the Atlantic, we find ourselves engulfed in a realm of unbalanced narratives and divisive tribalism. This fosters a climate of escalating polarization and nationalism, where historical and cultural understanding is often overlooked, inhibiting our ability to find equilibrium in our perspectives. Regrettably, the art of listening to opposing viewpoints has become a lost skill. Additionally, there exists an atmosphere in which some individuals advocate for a return to archaic forms of punishment, such as tarring and feathering, and endorse mob violence against those with differing opinions.

Regarding the media, I harbour my own sentiments regarding their self-imposed constraints and limitations, which I find rather reprehensible. It is intriguing to observe how, in times of conflict, emotions and wishful thinking can overshadow even the most fundamental realism. This phenomenon elucidates why even the most blatant propaganda finds favour, as it caters to the narrative desired by its audience. The media has perpetuated this wave of emotional response, succumbing to the demand for instant gratification, akin to a surfer riding the wave of moral justification, rather than approaching issues with clear-headed pragmatism and an objective assessment of facts.

Personally, I have restricted my exposure to social media, as I believe it to be a breeding ground for the demise of democracy. Democracy is a delicate system, historically susceptible to the influence of demagogues and shortsighted voters, as noted by Madison, who observed that voters often prioritize passion over reason. With figures like Trump, a vulgar and narcissistic populist, who has elevated fake news, conspiracies, and lies to an art form, it becomes evident that platforms like Facebook, complicit in their collaboration with such individuals, pose a threat to democracy and privacy. Consequently, I ceased my engagement with Facebook in 2021, recognizing its failure to uphold ethical standards.

While my tenure on Twitter since 2012 has been marked by ebbs and flows, the platform has afforded us a microscope through which to observe human behaviour. However, what we witness is often disheartening, with pervasive negativity rendering constructive discourse intolerable. Many of the daily messages mirror the tumultuous times we inhabit, lacking nuance and depth. Similar to the tactics employed by demagogues and nationalists, simplicity prevails, often vilifying a common enemy, typically the “elite.” Though Twitter once held promise, my interest waned following its acquisition by Musk.

In my personal conviction, I hold that our world is a tapestry of diversity, where adherence to principles of civility and factual discourse yields its own rewards. Not all facets of our global community conform to Western realism, and I advocate for the infusion of pragmatism and realism into our discourse. As a lone voice amidst a cacophony of one-sided narratives, it makes sense to consider that the reflection cast by social media differs greatly for individuals residing in disparate corners of the globe, from Beijing to Rio.

WJJH- 24.4.2024

Musings: The use of social media has led to unbalanced narratives, tribalism, and a lack of understanding. It has also contributed to emotional responses and the decline of democracy. Personal experiences on platforms like Facebook and Twitter highlight the negative impact and the need for more civil and factual discourse. The global perspective on social media varies widely.