Being part of the niche that hustles within the social media streets I have had to come to terms with the harshness it bears. These streets are cold with a lot of venom vendors virtually everywhere. As a frequenter I have come to know when to just slide through to the next street, throw some shade and sometimes duck and run! The technique of picking your battles wisely is a starter pack item in this kind of hustle.
Question is why is there so much shade, nastiness and controversy all over these streets?
First of all let’s get this clear that we seldom bump into arguments, blatant reactions or controversies within our day to day real life interactions. How come the exact opposite is a reality when we use these platforms?
Let me share with you why I believe we (yes you) and I could be such a-holes when browsing.
Repercussions; – For Who?!
Social sites are virtual reality and for that reason there isn’t any if not minimal repercussions for misbehaving. Unlike the usual tale of kulamba sukari and mama finds out by looking at your sticky neck. Huku unaweza lamba upanguze and not one person will know ulilamba.
Social platforms gives you the freedom to do as you please without much consideration to the harm caused. As so these aren’t real life conversation and all those who are watching won’t give you the feel of moral accountability as they witness your actions.
More over the victim in ‘defense’ doesn’t feel as much hurt has it would be when the same is done in real life. Hence the back and forth vitriolic backlash witnessed.
self-esteem paradox
For this reason no restraint is practiced. ‘We’ call it being woke – simply put growing a thick skin! After all, the reader to your response or attacker isn’t in your personally attached to you; so why care? The internet somewhat isn’t as publicly public as we assume.
Self Esteem
Back in the day when Christmas was Christmas and we had our tiny girly net laced dresses, purses and pams friends meant friends! These selfie days friends is equivalent to numbers! Yes numbers! If you have 10 friends which on a personal level is so much work to maintain imagine maintaining a couple of thousands. Really had maintaining these ships afloat!
Humans are naturally relationship beings: we fully rely on the opinions of all the millions of friends we have! Imagine the possibility of getting millions of people commenting about a picture- your picture! Do you know the kind of information that will be driven out from a single selfie!
The self-esteem Paradox
Logically it’s about self-esteem paradox. Reactions that you are going to get will spiral into someone getting a little ticked out. Leading to the outcome being you getting some saltiness your way. Eventually the pokers will get gratification for pointing out a negative in your positive.
As harsh as this sounds we know a couple of shade thrives … just the persons I thought of when writing. It is what it is!
Part 2👈🏿
