We share two- to five-minute videos that are neatly and conveniently packaged for our amusement or entertainment; but heaven forbid we actually consume anything more substantial, let alone share them, if they are any longer than that. Social media websites are some of the most powerful tools that we have at our disposal, simply because of the sheer number of people that we can reach in practically an instant. The concept of social media was so transformative because of the overwhelming possibilities that it opened up to so many of us, but each day, so many opportunities to enrich ourselves and others are wasted, because we have been conditioned to only seek instant gratification, as I just described.
Is it any wonder, then, that while we may be more aware of the things taking place all around us, we seem even more apathetic than usual — unwilling, even, to engage with each other and the content we share? Let me put it this way: when I see a post on Facebook that I like, for example, before sharing it, I will take the second to click one of the various options currently available to "Like" or "Love" or whatever the post, simply as a way of letting that person know that I appreciate what he or she has shared; to acknowledge the person in some way. I see it as a simple courtesy, that will likely encourage the person to share more interesting and engaging content in the future. Just as important is the fact that my interaction with that post takes nothing more than a few seconds at most, unless I am composing an epistolic comment that sometimes leads to meaningful and interesting conversations. These conversations are a wonderful opportunity to challenge others intellectually, and be likewise challenged; and sometimes, not very often perhaps, but occasionally, one meets a kindred soul, or someone who can offer a fresh perspective.
Given the often dismissive air that seemingly obtains on social media these days, I find myself wondering more and more about the point of it all. Of the hundreds and sometimes thousands of followers that any of us might have, with how many of them do we find ourselves interacting on any given day? Are we so unconcerned with the others outside of the ten to twenty persons with whom we interact regularly, or just so terribly self-involved that we simply cannot be bothered? It begs the question, then: why not remove the rest if we have no desire to engage with them in any way? We all have friends that we have not seen in ages, but we know the warm feelings are mutual; and that should we encounter them tomorrow, it would likely feel like no time has passed at all. I like to check in on my such friends from time to time. A "Like" here or a "Poke" there at least lets them know that I am thinking of them.
What will it take for us to look beyond the mere numbers, and begin to see the people behind them once again? What will it take for us to utilise the opportunities that present themselves every day to simply wish someone Happy Birthday, or congratulate them on an anniversary or a new job; something we would likely have done were we in the physical presence of those persons? At the end of the day, each of us came to this plane of existence alone — even twins and other multiples emerged into this world singularly — but while we're here, would it not be nice to know that until we make that final journey, alone once more, that we showed our appreciation to those who supported us through all of this: the mucky times, and the not-so-mucky times? I would certainly like to know that I did. When I am — or they are — gone, will it not be far too late for that?
