And hear me out on these….
1. Gatekeeping 🚫 — I know, I know, we HATE this word. but I think the access we’ve given others to such simple things like our skincare routines and clothes we’re wearing in a post have made us lose the art of originality, individuality, creativity, snd discernment. why do we HAVE to buy a specific shirt just because it looked cute on a girl on our fyp? what happened to finding a similar item that fit our individual style? why are we buying products just because they worked for a complete stranger, rather than consulting a pro and assessing for ourselves? why are we doing workouts just because they have a girl certain results when we don’t even have the same body type or needs?
2. Research 🔍 — I’m sorry but I see far too many people looking silly in the comments because they simply won’t do any reading. The term “Google is free” has been typed so much in my phone that it’s now part of my predictive text. Outside of simply believing everything you see online and regurgitating false info, people are also just demanding that someone send them the link to the correct information/evidence rather than searching for themselves.
2 1/2. READING SKILLS/MEDIA LITERACY 📖 — I didn’t want to make a huge paragraph, but this goes hand-in-hand with the second part. Too many people are just taking everything at face value and missing SO much when it comes to entertainment, news, or even as simple as a tweet. This makes it so easy for yall to be taken advantage of in so many ways.
3. Cordial conversation 🗣️ — LISTEN. It’s so easy to be quick to react and ruthless behind a screen. I’m guilty of it. but we have to remember that text takes away the tone of someone’s voice, so whatever you’re feeling will be projected onto whatever you’re reading. just because you READ something as sarcastic or mean doesn’t mean that it was. we need to stop immediately being on the defense when someone disagrees with us… especially because it’s more likely that the person is speaking objectively and isn’t very invested in the topic at hand. on the same hand, admit when you’re wrong.
4. Reality 🧍🏽♀️ — I know it’s easier said than done because of the era that we’re in, but we need to remember that social media is not the real world, though it does have real life consequences. The internet is so ingrained in our culture that we aren’t capable of separating the two or treating either responsibly. We have our chronically online friends who probably haven’t interacted with another human being since pre-🦠 and depend on clout/attention, and we have our friends who treat social media like a play thing as if digital footprints aren’t a very real thing.
I’ll cut this short and make a part 2 because this feels like it’s already gotten too long. What would you add to this list?
#unfiltered #embracevulnerability #Lemon8Diary #blackgirlcreator #blackgirllemon8 #Lemon8 #shareyourthoughts #deinfluence
In today's fast-paced digital era, the influence of social media can often overshadow genuine individuality. The concept of 'gatekeeping' highlights how easily we can lose our authentic selves by following trends dictated by online personalities rather than cultivating our own sense of style. It's essential to remember that not every popular choice suits us, and exploring alternatives that resonate with our true selves can lead to a more fulfilling experience. Moreover, the importance of thorough research before accepting information as truth cannot be overstated. With the vast array of opinions available online, discernment is key. Critical media literacy skillfully challenges us to read between the lines and question the sources we engage with. Being an informed consumer requires effort, but the payoff is significant as it empowers us to make better decisions. Engaging in cordial conversations is crucial for constructive dialogue, especially when opinions clash. We must be mindful of tone and presentation in our online interactions. Remember, what one perceives as sarcasm, another might interpret differently. Acknowledge the humanity in each conversation, and be willing to adapt your perspective when valid points are made. Lastly, recognizing the difference between our digital encounters and reality is fundamental. Social media often creates a curated and distorted version of life that can influence how we view ourselves and others. Understanding that likes and shares do not define our worth allows us to engage more sincerely with the content we consume, fostering a healthier online community. As we continue to navigate this complex landscape, let's commit to fostering authenticity and respect in our online lives.
You’re right on target with sis! Patiently awaiting part two.