Sociology Social Media Essay
The internet is truly remarkable. At any moment, I can query my computer about a random movie I once watched, and it will reveal everything behind the scenes. I can even connect with strangers who share my peculiar obsessions, which is fascinating in itself. However, this intrigue is accompanied by a sense of fear and frustration. Across the vast expanse of the internet, there are individuals who deceive, manipulate, and stir anger for the sole purpose of generating engagement. Between 2015 and 2018, many discovered that outrageous statements or actions could drive up comments and views. While this doesn’t always translate to malicious content, it’s clear that there are few positive surprises that can captivate an audience. Moreover, some people resort to deceptive tactics to lure users into clicking their posts. They might feature provocative images or suggest that something alarming is about to occur, but ultimately, these tactics lead to nothing but falsehoods.
There are several ways to counteract such behavior. One effective approach is to simply look away. It’s all too easy to become enraged by someone’s misguided opinion, but it can be even easier to move on. Most social media platforms aim to curate content that aligns with your interests. For instance, after watching several videos from a specific YouTuber, you’ll likely be recommended more content from them, their friends, or creators with similar styles. By avoiding engagement with rage-inducing or clickbait content, you can reduce its prevalence in your feed. While many believe they can manipulate the system by provoking others, you can’t lose if you choose not to participate in their game. Admittedly, I still encounter some misinformation, but it usually comes in the form of a humorous take on the false information.
Another strategy is to block individuals who perpetuate this negative behavior. By doing so, you effectively eliminate their influence from your feed—no annoyance, no harm done.
Additionally, some social media platforms are incorporating fact-checking tools into their interfaces. While I maintain a healthy skepticism of most AI assessments, this is still a significant improvement over blindly accepting made-up facts. Users on X/Twitter, for instance, have benefited from community notes that correct misinformation by providing credible sources. While it will undoubtedly be challenging to eradicate even a fraction of the misinformation circulating online, this is where the effort begins: with real research, credible sources, and a commitment to facts and logic.
Your essay captures the complex duality of the internet and social media exceptionally well. It’s incredible how these platforms can connect us to a wealth of information and shared interests, yet they also open the door to misinformation and negativity. The rise of engagement-driven content, particularly between 2015 and 2018, highlights the disturbing trend where outrageousness often triumphs over truth.
I appreciate your emphasis on personal agency in the face of this chaos. Ignoring or blocking problematic content can indeed be effective strategies for maintaining a healthier online experience. The algorithmic nature of social media means that, by consciously steering clear of rage-inducing posts, we can curate our feeds to be more aligned with our preferences and values.
Your mention of fact-checking tools and community-driven corrections is also noteworthy. While no system is foolproof, having a built-in mechanism for verifying information can help empower users to discern fact from fiction. It’s a step in the right direction, but as you pointed out, encouraging genuine research and critical thinking must also be part of our response to the misinformation problem.
Ultimately, the internet is a tool shaped by how we choose to interact with it. By fostering a culture of skepticism—not just toward others, but toward the information we consume—we can build a more informed and engaged online community. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this pressing issue!