SOCIAL MEDIA, and the things I associate it with

Things that come to my mind when I hear "Social Media":

1. Theatre Stage

It's a place where people could made a persona (or a lot of personae) and assume a number of roles according to that persona. I know about this so much because that is basically how I use social media all the time. This is most especially true with my Instagram accounts. I have that one account that is reserved for my real life events. That account has my name and photographs. On the other hand, my other IG account is made for my artworks. My username can't really identify me and I am even using an illustration for my display picture. Eversince I decided to use that account for art and when it started gaining more followers, I had never shown my face in pictures there. I like the sense of anonimity and mystery it offered.

2. Dump Site

Of course, haha! This one is what I've always heard about X (formerly Twitter). If you wanna hear juicy gossips about some celebrities, you can just go there, scroll, and grab some popcorn and cola. It's where the best of "tea"s are spilled. It could even be some small issues and differences in opinions here and there, but the associated comments and details would surprise you and get you hooked, wanting for more. What I like most about things like these is when there is actually some witty banter going on. I like brainy comedies. Satires (most especially those about the Philippine gove-//redacted//). It's full of varied opinions, often critical and sensitive, that people can't easily, openly, say in public. You have some opinionated views that is of opposition to the power that governs the entire country? Dump it on your private X account! Your tweets are protected anyway! You have an immoral sentiment toward someone? Go on, then, dump it there! There's some beef between you and your neighbor but can't confront them directly because it could spark a more serious conflict? X is the best place for your unvented rage.

In truth though, I don't really recommend resorting to venting out on social media most of the time. It hardly ever solves anything. I guess it's good that there is a place where you could release some of your stress but if you don't cut the thing right at the bud, it will always be there.

3. Crowd-Sourcing Center

I don't even have to elaborate this too much. It's pretty much self-explanatory. When they started allowing the sharing of document files over on Messenger, it became one of the best student-friendly social media apps ever. It's where we, students, share reviewers, school activities, books, assignments, and important links. You'll never be out of loop about school if you keep track of the goings-on in your school-based chat groups. Reaching out for people who could be available for a particular event could also be easily done on Messenger. Texting using digital numbers seem uncommon nowadays. I witnessed this gradually become the trend over the years.

Those three reflects how I use social media. Simple, right?

I'm not really too "extra" when dealing and engaging with them. Diving too deep on social media makes me feel like I'm losing a lot more of myself to a void. The price of the entertainment social medial offers is your time. And time is the most expensive things anyone could own in this world. Back when I had realized just how time felt like it was flying by too quickly when I scroll through TikTok, I immediately uninstalled the said application. I sort of felt a bit proud of myself that day because I acted upon something potentially addicting with the power of a self-discipline.

"Excess" is just as bad as "Deficiency". When using social media, do it moderately and responsibly.