Part of your argument makes sense in that shaming or self punishment is unlikely to actual change behavior.
But I think you are vastly underestimating a few things.
One is that social media consumption is easy and full of short term rewards. That’s one reason it is so habit forming. And for many people addiction forming. Observing my own use and my family’s use, I often see social media use as a temporary break from a task or responsibility, but it doesn’t actual yield an experience of being relaxed or refreshed. And it almost always uses more time than expected.
Second, social media has became less about interacting with people one knows or with people around a shared interest and more about consuming content that one hasn’t selected. Rather it’s been fed to the user by algorithms designed to keep you engaged. Mostly the user is not curating interests or exploring their curiosity.
Third, social media impacts are particularly devastating to young people who are just starting to develop their intellect, morality, judgement, interests, and relationships. They are least able to understand the impacts of social media on themselves and least practiced in how to deal with it. It reminds me a lot of the old smoking campaigns aimed at children because tobacco companies knew the most important thing wasn’t competing against another cigarette brand, it was convincing more people to become smokers.
That said, to tell someone “to touch grass” isn’t helpful. We as individuals, families & organizations need to create community in real life to compete with social media. Invitations to BBQs, parties, dinners, hikes, park district sports, movie nights, and games. People of middle age like myself need to model this behavior for younger adults and young people.
When I heard Buttigieg talk about the problem of social media I don’t think he was blaming users, but I’ve often heard social media use scolded with exasperation. Sometimes I’ve done that myself. That doesn’t help either. The goal is to actually change how Americans interact with social media not just blame others and fulfilling that goal requires listening and generosity.
I think you make many good points. I'm glad you appreciated the part on self-coercion.
More thankfully, I'm glad even though we see different problems, we share the same optimistic outlook and notice problems with our current prescriptions for people struggling.
"The goal is to actually change how Americans interact with social media not just blame others and fulfilling that goal requires listening and generosity." Hit the nail here!
I am optimistic once I wrestle with myself a little.
I do think social media is becoming a larger problem in our society. Full stop.
And I also think that societal problems must be addressed by society and not just through politics and legislation. We build everything through conversations, especially in person conversations, but also within the internet/social media by truly having conversations and building relationships.
Which is why I’m grateful that you invited me to comment on your piece. Thanks again.
Thanks for the invitation.
Part of your argument makes sense in that shaming or self punishment is unlikely to actual change behavior.
But I think you are vastly underestimating a few things.
One is that social media consumption is easy and full of short term rewards. That’s one reason it is so habit forming. And for many people addiction forming. Observing my own use and my family’s use, I often see social media use as a temporary break from a task or responsibility, but it doesn’t actual yield an experience of being relaxed or refreshed. And it almost always uses more time than expected.
Second, social media has became less about interacting with people one knows or with people around a shared interest and more about consuming content that one hasn’t selected. Rather it’s been fed to the user by algorithms designed to keep you engaged. Mostly the user is not curating interests or exploring their curiosity.
Third, social media impacts are particularly devastating to young people who are just starting to develop their intellect, morality, judgement, interests, and relationships. They are least able to understand the impacts of social media on themselves and least practiced in how to deal with it. It reminds me a lot of the old smoking campaigns aimed at children because tobacco companies knew the most important thing wasn’t competing against another cigarette brand, it was convincing more people to become smokers.
That said, to tell someone “to touch grass” isn’t helpful. We as individuals, families & organizations need to create community in real life to compete with social media. Invitations to BBQs, parties, dinners, hikes, park district sports, movie nights, and games. People of middle age like myself need to model this behavior for younger adults and young people.
When I heard Buttigieg talk about the problem of social media I don’t think he was blaming users, but I’ve often heard social media use scolded with exasperation. Sometimes I’ve done that myself. That doesn’t help either. The goal is to actually change how Americans interact with social media not just blame others and fulfilling that goal requires listening and generosity.
I think you make many good points. I'm glad you appreciated the part on self-coercion.
More thankfully, I'm glad even though we see different problems, we share the same optimistic outlook and notice problems with our current prescriptions for people struggling.
"The goal is to actually change how Americans interact with social media not just blame others and fulfilling that goal requires listening and generosity." Hit the nail here!
Thanks for taking the time to read!
I am optimistic once I wrestle with myself a little.
I do think social media is becoming a larger problem in our society. Full stop.
And I also think that societal problems must be addressed by society and not just through politics and legislation. We build everything through conversations, especially in person conversations, but also within the internet/social media by truly having conversations and building relationships.
Which is why I’m grateful that you invited me to comment on your piece. Thanks again.
@Conor Gallogly @Espo In relation to our previous conversation about this. Hope this offers an optimistic perspective for our social media use.
Good, because I need one, ha! And thank you.