Social Media: Winners & Losers

Words Beverley Martins

Do you think we need a virtual lockdown? My bank account says we do, but my head says “I think the hell not.” I understand that we all have different answers. As some of us make money from social media, reach a wide range of people and motivate people. I call these people the 'Winners'. Who are the losers? Well, I think common sense will help you guess the losers.

Shutterstock

Those that make the creators more money by using the platforms to troll, abuse, criticise, and watch the lives of other people. Now, please don't shoot me. You know the only reason why you're offended. I suppose I would classify as a loser too because I sure don't make any money from any of my social media platforms. Yet. I don't even know how to use Twitter if I’m honest.

Social media. What is it? Investopedia states that “social media​ is a computer-based technology that facilitates the sharing of ideas, thoughts, and information through the building of virtual networks and communities. By design, social media​ is internet-based and gives users quick electronic communication of content.” With this information, stop and think of the elements of this statement and what you use social media for. I'll go first. I use mine for picture content and thoughts. You? Email us your responses, we would love to know. 

Shutterstock

Next question. Honestly ask yourself this, have you made social media part of your everyday life? Like an essential part of your life? Do you impact people for good? I think you'll need some time to understand this question so before reading on, take some time to think.

Are you done? Let us go.

For me, I didn't see social media as an essential part of my life until I was encouraged to go without it. It made me realise how much time I've wasted. I wasn’t looking at anything uplifting; Kylie Jenner’s new hairstyle and the new pair of shoes Saweetie was gifted. Pathetic. No, I didn’t impact anyone on social media. I could honestly care less - Unless social campaigns like #blacklivesmatter, #endpolicebrutality required all of our voices as a community. The only people that actually follow me are family and friends. I put in a lot of time into something that did not benefit me in any way at all.

Shutterstock

Final question. What inspires you on social media? What makes you want to do better? Ok. Now has it helped you? Has the inspiration you felt taken you from one level to another, or is it still just an inspiration that you look at, like and comment? Maybe it made you repost so your friends could also be inspired? One thing I like to watch is BuzzFeed food. I am always reposting their stuff. Does it inspire me? Hell yes, to eat! Will I ever go and cook it? Ermm I think not. Buzzfeed are winners because every time I repost them, their employees get paid. I'm a loser because every time I repost them, I know damn well I'm not going to make it. 

So, what are you? Are you a winner or a loser? I'm not saying social media is a bad thing, but maybe some time away can help you reflect on what it is essential and what is not. Perhaps you can even take some time to figure out how you can become a winner, instead of a statistic of users.