Realistically, is the main purpose of social media to show off?

[dogmad170]

Just that really.

Recently quit social media as it was severely damaging my mental health as I was constantly comparing myself to others. On reflection I don't really see the point in it all.To me it just seems like its a tool for people to use to show off how rich/forward thinking/ perfect/successful/beautiful they are.

Generally it seems to be. Or for couples who feel the need to communicate via it rather than actually talk to the person in the household.

I’ll say what I always say to posts like this. Depends on your friends. My friends aren’t braggy show-offs in real life and -surprise, surprise - they aren’t on social media either.

That's definitely part of it but its so much more than that.

The great thing about it for me is that it enables me to keep in light social contact with people who I would realistically have any contact with otherwise.

In the old days if you wanted to get back in touch with someone you hadn't seen for a year + you'd have to have a hideously awkward phone conversation in which you'd ask them dull questions about their job/marital status/children etc.

Social media allows you to skip all that shit and maintain a level of enjoyable but not-committal banter, a bit like having people permanently sitting on the edges of your table in the pub.

Probably a popular point of view here but despite its numerous dangers I love it.

Undoubtedly social media is bad for mental health. The negative outweighs the positive, especially for teens.

....in your opinion.

I would say that is true, for SOME teens but not for all. My dc3, in particular chats to friends she has made (in person) who are now scattered across the country, and in some cases the world. How brilliant is that ? Doesn't have to go and send an airmail letter and wait weeks for a reply like I used to have to. Can also have a conversation with a group of friends, be that snapchat or facebook groups.

100% the same for me @OllyBJolly (Thu 15-Oct-20 07:22:57)

On instagram I would get suggestions of people to follow, ...er, yes, same as on Facebook. You do know that it is just that - a suggestion ? Which you can ignore.

No, my friends aren't show-offs, we are middle-aged ladies! I really like seeing/hearing about their lives, children, even their holidays, it's brought me back into contact with a few old friends and keeps others chugging along as I know what they have been up to.
and
I think I’ve just got nice, normal friends. If they do post a picture of a new car or a nice holiday then I’m not jealous. I’m genuinely pleased for them. I enjoy seeing them happy on holiday or happy on a family day out. Why do you automatically see it as them showing off?

Same here (a 'like' button' for posts on FB would be useful )

SM is simply a tool; how it's used it entirely up to you. So if you find your feed is full of show offs/perfect people etc, then don't follow them, follow someone or something else.

This 100%. OP, if your feed is full of people showing off, then that is your choice. You* choose who to follow. / be friends with / be connected with.

I don’t understand those who say ‘Happy Birthday to my darling daughter, 2 today’ so proud of you etc.. Just tell her she’s hardly going to read it! 🙄

@Whyisitsodifficult

I don’t understand those who say ‘Happy Birthday to my darling daughter, 2 today’ so proud of you etc.. Just tell her she’s hardly going to read it! 🙄

I know it gets on my nerves ! My in laws are like this

What other purpose could it possibly have?

@PercyKirke

What other purpose could it possibly have?

Share information, network, keep in touch with loved ones, support causes, learn things, get new ideas, find out about things, campaigning, marketing and promotion, to provide support, share interest and connect with people.

Just a few things. It's fine I'd social media isn't for you but I think it's pretty narrow minded to think it has no other purpose. I really think it depends who you follow and are friends with on these platforms.

Tbh the only social media I find at all negative for me is MN. Although it's great in many ways, I see nastiness and showing off on here in a way that I literally never do on FB or Instagram, because on there I choose whose posts I see. I also find MN addictive and time-draining in a way that the others aren't for me. FB and Instagram allow me to keep up with my friends' news and follow things that I'm interested in, and that's it.

depends on who you are/what you use it for. You a kardashian? Then yes of course. Ordinary person going about life and taking pictures of kids/food/cake/dogs? Then no.

My Insta is mainly for family as all live abroad. I am a hobby baker so my follows are mainly family, bakers and some friends. Most of my pictures are of my kids and occasionally stuff i bake. That, to me - is not 'showing off'.

Do you consider people posting pics of holidays or anything nice like that to be showing off? Would you prefer people only posted miserable things?

@dogmad170

Just that really.

Recently quit social media as it was severely damaging my mental health as I was constantly comparing myself to others. On reflection I don't really see the point in it all.To me it just seems like its a tool for people to use to show off how rich/forward thinking/ perfect/successful/beautiful they are.

That's the purpose of nearly all human interaction isn't it?

"Share information, network, keep in touch with loved ones, support causes, learn things, get new ideas, find out about things, campaigning, marketing and promotion, to provide support, share interest and connect with people.

Just a few things. It's fine I'd social media isn't for you but I think it's pretty narrow minded to think it has no other purpose. I really think it depends who you follow and are friends with on these platforms."

Its hilarious how many times you had to repeat yourself to make your list longer

I do use Facebook and find it very useful. I am currently using it for a community issue and I can easily keep in contact with the other people involved. I use it mainly for my different interests and for humorous posts. I keep in contact with family as well. I hardly ever post anything personal as I don't see the need. I also don't have any personal information such as partner, job, education etc. as I don't see the need.

It can be damaging and I've removed a few people. The only slightly damaging aspect is a "friend" who constantly virtue signals. She has diagnosed herself with certain conditions and uses Facebook to get herself attention. I don't know why I don't just block her.

Why have people got such a chip on their shoulder about 'showing off'? Donthey spend their lives looking for opportunities to feel jealous?
Showing people what you have been up to is not showing off. It's interesting. Can be inspiring. It may even prompt you to make actual contact, which is a great thing.
Facebook is communication for busy people, or lazy people. It's networking for lonely people. It's fun.
I just don't like the adverts and the negative memes. I love seeing what people are doing and what interests them.

YES - Instagram and Facebook, people sharing perfect family pictures (when in some cases I know how miserable they are). Twitter - personal news klaxon I got a new job (no-one cares) and then Linkedn is the absolute worse - fake motivational statuses. It's all very addictive though! I'm glad it wasn't around when I was a teenager that's for sure!