I was watching my son scroll his social media the other day and he was “liking” almost everything he saw. Sharing. Saving. Sometimes commenting. At that point, I realized how very different our social media consumption is.
Other than the obvious generation gap and his propensity to follow bodybuilders, truck stuff, and teens, in general, doing a lot of weird things…and my propensity that leans towards animals doing weird stuff, home decor, the latest in tech and health…how we consume it is very different. Our platforms are slightly different. He’s in the TikTok and Snapchat world, and I am largely an Instagram consumer, with FB for family and friend stuff and a bit of TikTok when I want to see animals doing dumb things.
However, what is important is how I interact with these apps. I am a silent scroller. I rarely “like” anything except the occasional sweet picture or post from friends or family. It is even more uncommon for me to provide comments on posts. I will share, but only if I find it hysterical or educational. And I LOVE to research, taking deep dives for answers to all of my pressing questions, which goes against all of the algorithm rules. Searching does talk to the algorithm some, but not engaging with platforms goes against what the algorithm tries to force you to do. And if you want to grow your business account online, and you don’t do these things, over and over and over all day to exhaustion…forget about it. Three people will see your stuff. It is ridiculous.
My son, however, does what it asks for. He maintains a constant scrolling, liking, and commenting machine. So, the algorithm loves him and feeds him more and more of what he engages with. And on the hamster wheel, he rolls.
Why is this a problem? Why do we not want an algorithm feeding us only the same stuff? It provides an insanely narrow view of the world. It is restrictive, repetitive, monotonous…and narrow-minded. We should desire diversity and new perspectives. A singular algorithmic diet limits our understanding and growth. It confines us to a small bubble that prevents us from exploring the world’s complexities. The narrow lens distorts reality and hinders our ability to embrace differences and variety.
I love exploring different viewpoints. Our differences are what make us unique. And interesting. Being fed the same dribbling stream of information greatly contributes to divisiveness. People begin to believe that one view is the only view.
It is an empathy stealer. How can we empathize with others if we hold fast to only one point of view? This worries me for adults but terrifies me for our youth. Like me, many (not all) adults of my generation (Gen X’ers) seem to be more of the silent scrolling type. Maybe because we “just don’t get it,” or because we are of the generation that raised themselves and never did anything we were told to do anyway.
Gen Z and Gen A are different. The engagement is ongoing and never-ending. It seems to feel okay to these generations. Even if it doesn’t, they will likely never admit it, and they lack the desire or skills to back out of their bubble and explore new worlds against the algorithm grain.
Social media was created as a way to be social. To interact with one another. I remember when FB first came about, we could all chat with each other. Or not. But we could still see that person’s feed. We were not forced into a relationship with people and ideas in order to see the information. While I get that there are positives associated with having some algorithm influence, I can not help but think it has manipulated us into tiny bubbles. In true Gen X fashion, I do not respond well to being manipulated. I will continue my silent scroll, my quiet desire for all viewpoints. In my small way, I tell the algorithm to kiss off as I reach outside my bubble.
Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 15 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling. Kristi travels nationally and has spoken with thousands of children, parents, professionals and organizations about the benefits and threats associated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knbcommunications.com.
Author: Kristi Bush
Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 15 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling. Kristi travels nationally and has spoken with thousands of children, parents, professionals and organizations about the benefits and threats associated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knbcommunications.com.
