Social Media - Boon or Bane?

its an endless dopamine button that dulls critical thinking and interpersonal skills.

I basically left Facebook 3 years ago, as it was becoming toxic, I dabble occasionally as I follow a few bands, but I rarely post anything. Never really understood Twitter and I don't intend doing so now, TikTok and instagram have also passed me by.

I get my news from 'trusted' online sites and also read both left and right wing newspapers to understand both points of view and how each spin the same event.

On the whole - great idea to pass round info, keep people updated near real time, build communities to help each other etc, but it's lost it's way, and I don't think there is a way back. Stay away its toxic and can ruin peoples lives.

sparkyhx wrote

I basically left Facebook 3 years ago, as it was becoming toxic, I dabble occasionally as I follow a few bands, but I rarely post anything. Never really understood Twitter and I don't intend doing so now, TikTok and instagram have also passed me by.

I get my news from 'trusted' online sites and also read both left and right wing newspapers to understand both points of view and how each spin the same event.

On the whole - great idea to pass round info, keep people updated near real time, build communities to help each other etc, but it's lost it's way, and I don't think there is a way back. Stay away its toxic and can ruin peoples lives.

I left Facebook about 2 1/2 years ago. Same reason. Except I left for good.


I deleted my account but realize that FB probably never deleted the account even though this was the FB method I chose to follow. Their TOC even stated the avenue to delete the account and it stated that my account would be deleted. I tried to click on a video link the other day someone texted to me and the FB message asked if I wanted to reactivate my account. "F" no!!! Just proves how much FB lies to people and gets away with it.

That said, I have no access and will not reactivate the account. Anyone who means anything to me or has interaction with me does so outside of FB, Instagram, or most social media sites. Those who only interacted with me on FB weren't really friends, they were acquaintances and I have enough of those. My friendship circle is small and that is the way I want it to be. I have my beliefs and opinions and I don't need social media to convey those. Those are best conveyed to someone when they are facing me because that is where real debate and dialog takes place. Keyboard warriors are a waste of my time.

I may be in the minority, but I never got into social media at all, never had fb, ig, etc. I have a linkedin account but that's about it and I don't think that counts. Personally, I don't see any reasons for having it that would have a positive effect on my life. The only reason that could potentially be valid is marketing and networking but I have other ways of promoting my business.

xander_g wrote

I may be in the minority, but I never got into social media at all, never had fb, ig, etc. I have a linkedin account but that's about it and I don't think that counts. Personally, I don't see any reasons for having it that would have a positive effect on my life. The only reason that could potentially be valid is marketing and networking but I have other ways of promoting my business.

That is precisely why I have LinkedIn. With regard to FB, it was initially a good way to connect with friends from my past I had lost contact with and to establish friendships to those from my past I had not before. I fell into the trap of posting what I was doing, what I was cooking, where I was going like many did. Then there was the political stuff and the nastiness that ensued. I left FB because of two reasons. First, ending friendships because of disagreements and the nasty comments some made because they could on the other side of a computer screen. Second, I don't trust Zuckerberg and his data tracking. To me people like him are the scourge of the Earth and I wanted nothing to do with anything that he built and supports.

I do belong to a few social media sites but these are interest based and I now never discuss my political or religious views on line. I believe what I do based on my experience. I am more than happy to discuss these face to face with anyone as long as we have a little history but I will never discuss these issues from the anonymity of a computer screen. I would rather have a good conversation.

vreihen16 wrote

I don't use social media, and even have most of the sites to ..

Umm, you just posted on Social Media

RobotDoctor wrote

Then there was the political stuff and the nastiness that ensued. I left FB because of two reasons. First, ending friendships because of disagreements and the nasty comments some made because they could on the other side of a computer screen.

Valid point.

Sep 1, 2020: further to numerous incidents, Bimmerpost decided to remove the Politics and Religion section with immediate effect. That section had become a toxic cess-pool with a carnage of bitter attacks, trolling, inciting, insulting, etc. Way too many discussions had derailed in an aggressive way. The plug was pulled.
Why the Politics & Religion section has been removed.

Ever since, no politics and religion discussions are allowed on Bimmerpost - there are dedicated places on the interwebs for that. Admins and moderators delete all new such comments brought to their attention. Those who do not heed the warnings to refrain from posting such comments risk to get banned.

You enter a bar. Management asks you to respect their rules. If you disagree or dislike, feel free to leave the bar. You invite an acquaintance for dinner at your place. The atmosphere worsens. The dinner ends with a nasty fight. You decide to never invite that acquaintance again.

Artemis wrote

Those who do not heed the warnings to refrain from posting such comments risk to get banned.

^^^^^ Multi-time visitor to banned camp! ^^^^^

In case it didn't make the national news, there was a huge and unruly gathering in NYC's Union Square Park this afternoon. Some YouTube influencer said that he was going to be distributing 300 free video game consoles to his followers, and things got ugly from there. He is in police custody, and NYPD was at level 4 response to break up the near-riot while being pelted with bottles, large paint cans, fireworks, and chairs.

Me thinks that this jackwagon should be sent to the electric chair with a live stream of his execution, as an example for the next influencer who tries a similar stunt.....

I'm slipping this in here since this is just a one-off, but is anyone annoyed about seeing those 'reaction' videos from nobodies? Like a guy is recording himself during his first listen to Smashing Pumpkins or whatever lmao. So cringe.

I support trimming a) one’s friend fat and b) social media. More productive ways to engage and prioritize real/true friends exist IMO.

Sure, def cool content out there, however, a disproportional amount of that content is most commonly a dumpster fire of you win/I lose or I’m right/ur wrong.

Respect and kindness for fellow inhabitants of the planet, common sense, and critical thinking left the station a long long time ago.

Frankly, makes you wonder if it’s is even recoverable at this point.

Good rest of the summer.

B.

This is what most social media sites make me feel like after reading some of the self centered posts.

RobotDoctor wrote

This is what most social media sites make me feel like after reading some of the self centered posts.

I throw up in my mouth when I see what some people get away with on social media vs others.

Lady Jane wrote

It breaks my heart when I hear stories about tweenies committing suicide because of on-line bullying. It affects a lot of adults as well.

How do you feel?

The new generation of children and teens are being taught to be gullible and act on their emotions. They have no idea at how to be RATIONAL.

I think the new dating apps... are also in a way a form of social media... they aren't there to meet anyone... they are to chit chat and gain unnecessary self validation.

The quintessential triggered internet hater performing on a Forum near you.

Cones should be mandatory in every restaurants and bars.