The problem is, we look for affirmation on social media.
Today, a person’s life is made if a celebrity - A to D to reality star level - follows them
on Instagram. I see people begging for this or that person to “follow” or
“like” them. They need that recognition. They’re desperate for it. It is what
gives them…purpose? Really??
My stepson is 7 years old. Too young for social media (even
though I do know 7 year olds who have Facebook accounts). And I know it’s
coming. Right now he gets his affirmation from his parents!!, his friends, his
relatives, his teachers, where it should be coming from. Not from a nameless,
inanimate, thing. My husband and I are not on Facebook, so I’m hoping that will
deter my stepson from it for a bit longer (fingers and toes crossed). However,
we are on Twitter and Instagram, and I admit that I do love/hate that
adrenaline rush I get when someone mildly famous “favourites” something I write
about/to them. But why does it matter so much??
 |
| A favourite star from Lea DeLaria. Who cares? She doesn't. |
I should get that lift when my
husband kisses me goodnight, when my mom throws her arms open for a hug, when
my dad teases me, when my sister holds her cat up to the webcam during a Skype
talk.
What has happened to me? To this society? Why is a favourite star more important than a kind word from a best friend??
What has happened to me? To this society? Why is a favourite star more important than a kind word from a best friend??
The problem is, we look for affirmation on social media. And
maybe the even bigger problem is, that’s where we now expect it to come from.
