Social Media and Human Mindsets
With the technological revolution and the emergence of social media, there is no doubt that their impact has been evident on humanity, bringing about a comprehensive transformation in people’s lives and in how they interact and engage with one another. This shift has given rise to numerous positive and negative behaviors and actions, reshaping the mindset of many and prompting them to do things that were previously unfamiliar. What may have initially sparked astonishment and bewilderment has, over time, become commonplace, with some individuals adopting such practices regardless of whether they are reasonable or not, and irrespective of social taboos or oversight.
The situation has become increasingly chaotic, leading to a loss of control over what these individuals publish and display to the public, regardless of whether the content is good or bad, suitable for sharing or not. The primary concern for many is simply to appear before the world and achieve fame, even if their actions harm their own reputation, inviting ridicule or complaints from others. This undoubtedly reflects the intellectual weakness of some and the psychological and social ailments they suffer from, which the new reality has exposed. Indeed, many people across different age groups and educational backgrounds were once viewed with respect, and we believed they were aware and mindful of their conduct. The shock lies in discovering that, contrary to our previous assumptions, they have become objects of mockery and ridicule due to their behavior and their constant self-portrayal at every occasion, appearing in naive and trivial videos without regard for the feelings of their children and grandchildren, or for the embarrassment their actions cause others—particularly among those in their sixties and seventies.
Similarly, some individuals exploit their family members—parents, children, and daughters—to appear on various social media platforms in pursuit of fame or financial gain, disregarding religion, values, customs, and traditions.
While we have discussed certain negative phenomena that have infiltrated our societies and were unknown in the past, this does not negate the existence of many positives, significant benefits, and good people across social media platforms. In fact, we can confidently assert that these platforms have broadened individual horizons, disseminated scientific, medical, historical, and literary knowledge, and that their positive aspects outweigh their negatives. However, we have focused on a specific issue that has become a prominent trend in recent times, and we hope it diminishes or disappears over time, as it indeed causes distress to people and does not reflect our true societal reality. Therefore, we must carefully select content, follow useful material, and avoid promoting harmful content, so as not to encourage those who misuse social media to continue their behavior. We must also exercise self-restraint regarding what we consume and what we share.
