Why does social media feel like a double-edged sword for so many of us? We all face challenges with social media, yet its pull remains irresistible.
The root cause lies in a major ideological shift that emerged alongside the technological revolution around the millennium. Millennials — those who grew up in the 2000s — witnessed innovation shaking traditional norms. They admired thinkers, leaders, and anyone who dared to challenge the status quo.
A defining belief for this generation was that “everyone is special.” This fueled a desire for recognition and a platform to showcase unique talents. Millennials became known for breaking rules and injecting fresh energy and creativity, though often at the cost of personal burnout.
These societal shifts naturally called for a stage to exhibit talents — a marketplace of showmanship. Social media perfectly fits that role. But here lies the problem. Talent drives the social media ecosystem, where everyone is a seller and few are buyers. Without regulation or agreed-upon standards, everyone believes their content deserves attention. This breeds trolling, hate speech, meaningless pranks, and more.
Social media is increasingly becoming a dangerous place, flooded with what many would label “garbage.” Yet, can we truly blame these creators? They genuinely believe their content is talent, and convincing them otherwise is almost impossible. Understanding this dynamic is crucial. Social media reflects not just how we connect, but the deep-seated ideological shifts in how we value recognition, talent, and success today. Are we ready to rethink how we engage with this digital marketplace—and perhaps demand more from it?