Social Media, An Ego Portal?
A few friends of mine shared the following post from Mimi Zhu and it really struck a chord for me. I've been thinking a lot in the past year (or few if I'm honest) about how we can build sustainable communities outside of the social media focus and their ego-centric pitfalls. Thinking for both digital and analog, because social media still infiltrates physical spaces.
Text from above graphic: Social Media Is An Ego Portal. If we are not mindful, social media can be a portal for our egos to expand. I can sit for hours on my phone and forget my being and all that I am interconnected with. I miss birds chirping, the soft breeze, and a delicate beam of sunlight. It fuels my ego to perform, and sucks me into a carnival of comparisons. What would happen if, for precious moments, we stepped back from this loop that is designed for addiction? What if we looked up and listened to birds, recalled our bodies, and took a deep sacred breath? Would you remember who you are when you are not trying to prove something?
At times I've certainly felt the need to prove myself, more accurately my self-worth, through social media. And the habit of comparing and contrasting is ever-present (especially for youth). These spaces are privately owned and controlled and what we create on these channels is not “ours.” The content we see on them is coordinated by an algorithm both individuals and businesses are continually trying to figure out. They could also fall apart tomorrow. That being said, social media has allowed for opportunities of reconnecting with old friends, keeping in touch, creating new connections, organizing for activism, growing a business or brand, and much more. Instagram for example has been an especially invaluable tool for me as an artist. And while I personally thrive on in-person connection and community, I also know that many of our built spaces are not accessibly designed and have barriers for many (more on the social model of disability in another post). Social media has provided a valuable opportunity for accessible connection. There are also obstacles of physical distance (hello sheltering in place) and the time constraints of life in today’s world. Social media is a valuable tool for many for communication and connection with others—which is important for humans to thrive—when it might otherwise be limited.
Since I’m always eager to chat with folks, learn, and explore concepts and ideas, I ran a poll within my own community of friends and acquaintances to see what was important for them in a community, within and outside the constructs of social media. I've shared what I received below:
-Safety
-Inclusivity
-Active listening
-Respect
-Support
-Creativity
-Joy
-Accessibility
-Lack of hierarchical culture
-Everyone can be heard
-Openness
-Curiosity
-Love
-Educational
-Mood boosting
-Open-minded
-Compassionate
-Playful
-Passionate
-Willingness to share stories and experiences
-To be heard
Next, I’d like to poll folks on where they have found the tenets that mean the most to them. Was it the book club they joined through a colleague? Friends found through a common passion via Instagram? A nonprofit they volunteer with? Their place of worship? Local library?
I'd love to hear more from readers (the very few and kind of you that exist) who are willing to share your thoughts. Feel free to email me or comment directly on this post!
