Matcha dates? Mood boards? Cosy girl aesthetic? Healing era? Oh God forbid, the existence of more ‘classifications’ created by the media. Since when did categorizing individuals into boxes become a normalised practice? And enough with the types of aesthetics. It is almost as if humanity has lost its sanity because the current depiction of the fast-pacing media world has reconstructed people into ‘walking pinterest boards.’ When was the last time we’ve seen individuals have real conversations during slumber parties? Exactly. Social media is curated to brainwash us into thinking we’re supposed to be categorised and defined within ‘aesthetics’ and whatsoever. I don’t hate the internet but I do dislike people who live their lives constantly trying to ‘fit in’ or trying to possibly become a saint of the micro trends erupting on a daily basis at this point.
Consumerism has definitely levelled up its game. I think consumerism is a form of slavery- a category or say, genre. As the world is steadily evolving, we can all agree with the fact that consumerism has now morphed into a culture of its own. It has become culture itself. Also, not to mention, the massive progress of the internet and social media has declared it all the more prominent. I’m convinced personalised identities are now going extinct. Almost the entire population is so busy constantly trying to keep up with the trends that ‘individuality’ is becoming a foreign meaning.
Who knew privacy would now become a luxury? Individuals are so immersed by pixels, reality is perishing. I would be lying if I ever said I’ve never been on social media. I have, and I admit the media is a place of endless wonders. However, over time, the idea of escaping reality using the internet has reversed. Initially, signing up on various social media apps appeared to be relaxing and ceased some of the burdens laid by reality. The satisfaction gradually turned into doom scrolling and a never-ending lapse as that of a GIF. That was when the realization struck me hard to my core- Is the media actually empowering me or diminishing me? Is the media allowing me to make use of my full potential? Is the media providing real companionship?
After a month or two, I officially quit social media because being a member of the human race, I refused to follow a pattern designed by the internet. I missed the feeling of individuality realism always had in hand. There is something so magical about reality the internet can’t replicate. Reality is never perfect, it has its flaws, traits, and everything that connects each of us in one way or the other. The real world is already so full of imperfections that it adds character to just simply exist.
Do you not realise how much time the internet and the media have been looting from you? It may sound old and cliché but, time is precious. No one, seriously no one has the ability to reverse time. Time is always ticking away. You can only live once. You see, the internet has a way of assuring you that you don’t need reality or people.
It accumulates your brain by making you think reality is overrated and not worth. Time and again, it proves itself wrong. As much as I hate living with the blocks reality throws at me, I can never seem to hate it. The internet has always been trying to convince individuals that we require maybe the latest phones or Mercedes or makeup PRs to convince ourselves and the people around that we’ve reached our peak or to feel satisfied and rewarded. The whole concept is false and misleading because you don’t need the latest phones or cars or whatever to feel rewarded and satisfied. It is just a marketing scheme, consumption disguised within the skins of ‘needs.’
Instead, the internet has made us forget the pure joy one can attain by simply finding pleasure in everyday tasks. For instance, reading a book, playing football, painting, doing household chores, going on a walk, or even brewing yourself tea can be a form of pleasure. You don’t need the internet or media to prove you are satisfied and content. You need not their approval.
In a world where every single mortal is waiting for the perfect ‘click’, the perfect Instagram dump, the perfect tweet, be the change. Ponder upon how much you’d be missing out on what reality has to offer you. Next time you feel the urge to take a picture or snap on the most aesthetic sunset or the perfect latte, think about it- is it really worth it? Do I really find the scene pleasing or am I just trying to ‘fit in’ the chain the algorithm has arranged before my eyes?
As mentioned earlier, I don’t hate the internet nor am I against it. I just hope the beautiful people out there realise there’s more to scrolling and rotting away from reality. Experience the gift of the real world, real people and real everything.
Now the big question- Are you still willing to continue diving into this endless spiral of meaningless void the internet has created, labelling it as ‘comfort’? Or, are you willing to step away from it with good intentions to live a life of reality? There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answer.
The choice is yours.
Thank you, readers, for your time.
Sincerely,
Rongsenkala Longkumer
Class XI (Arts)
St. Edmund’s, Shillong
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