I’m sure I am not alone in saying every other image I scroll past on Instagram seems to have something synonymous with the title of this article attached to it. Whether it’s ex-Love Islanders calling out to their ‘huns’ to snatch up-to 70% off on Inthestyle.com, or Geordie Shore cast members promoting their fitness DVD, as yet ANOTHER C-list celeb loses a few pounds and becomes the world’s newest fitness goddess. Now, perhaps I’m simply following the wrong people, admittedly I am as guilty as the next person of getting drawn into caring about these reality ‘stars’. But, as we welcomed 2018, I began to reflect on what our lives are coming to; if among global warming, gender inequality and political turmoil, all I’m bothering to spend my time doing is looking up who was flirting with who on last night’s Big Brother, something must have gone wrong.
Social media has truly taken over our lives, to think I still remember the day my family first bought a computer, to looking at how my life completely revolves around the internet now, blows my mind and to be frank, terrifies me. Don’t get me wrong, I think the developments in technology are fantastic! I love keeping up with friends and family on the other side of the world, love going into a last minute panic and buying yet another dress from Misguided for it to arrive in 12 hour’s time and I love learning how to do crazy winged liner on YouTube. But is this life?
While so many of us are wasting days away scrolling, double tapping and swiping left, women are still earning 16% less than men across the EU and the most powerful position in the Western world is held by a man spouting misogynistic, racist rhetoric every day! I feel as though the 21st century is taking some of us prisoner, living our entire lives online and becoming ignorant to what is happening to the society we live in. Instead of being paid thousands to post an Instagram advertising 2for1 on eyelashes, why are we not advertising equality protests, discussing ideas on line of how to motivate more young people to vote, to involve ourselves in vital issues the world is facing right now!
I do not wish to preach or to dictate to others how they should live their lives, I’m simply questioning our priorities. Recent events surrounding Logan Paul have shocked us all, and surely this is a time to stop and really consider where social media is going. It plays a crucial role in 2018, but one which seems to have got twisted along its path.
What’s the point in getting your hands on that 50% off two-piece, if the ice caps are going to melt before it delivers? Or perhaps a nuclear war will have broken out, I mean, we wouldn’t know unless Snapchat HQ sent out a snap. I jest, I exaggerate, but ya feel me? Don’t just post, scroll or like something in 2018, DO something in 2018!