The tragic and yet mysterious death of the TikTok sensationalist, Brian Chira, brings to the fore the frailty of social life and the futility of digital validations of celebrities. Social media is delusional. Having millions of social media followers may not always translate to happiness. Sometimes, it could be purposelessness.
The hypocritical mourners who raised Ksh8 million in 48 hours for burial could not come through for Brian in life. Illusional. Digital affirmations are pretentious and ostentatious. Chi-chi. Fake. Tinselly.
In today’s digital era, where social media platforms have become the epicentres of our social interactions, it’s easy to fall into the trap of equating our self-worth with the number of followers, likes, comments, and the hype surrounding our WhatsApp statuses. However, life is a vast, multifaceted experience that extends far beyond the digital affirmations we seek online. It’s crucial to remind ourselves that there’s much more to life than these digital validations.
In an era dominated by digital interactions, the value of life is increasingly measured by metrics such as social media followers, likes, comments, and WhatsApp statuses. These digital affirmations have become symbols of social validation, success, and personal worth. However, this superficial barometer of value overlooks the profound aspects of life that truly enrich our existence. Life, in its essence, is a tapestry woven with experiences, relationships, and personal growth, far transcending the ephemeral gratification derived from social media validation. Social media affirmations are robotic. You can hardly count on them.
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Social media platforms have ingeniously tapped into the human desire for approval and recognition. While receiving a flood of likes or gaining followers can provide a temporary boost in self-esteem, it is a fleeting satisfaction. This digital acknowledgment is often mistaken for genuine connection and appreciation, leading to an incessant chase for more. However, the truth remains that these virtual validations are shallow and do not equate to real-life affirmations of our worth or achievements.
Life’s most memorable and impactful moments rarely occur behind a screen. They are found in the laughter shared with a friend, the awe of a sunset, or the fulfilment from personal achievements. Experiences such as traveling to new places, learning a new skill, or contributing to a community project provide a sense of purpose and joy that cannot be replicated by digital interactions. These experiences shape our character, broaden our perspectives, and enrich our lives in ways that social media never can.
The quality of our relationships significantly influences our happiness and well-being. Authentic, deep connections with family, friends, and even strangers provide a support system, a sense of belonging, and enrich our lives with love and shared experiences. These relationships are built on genuine interactions, empathy, and mutual respect – qualities that are often diluted in the realm of social media, where interactions can be superficial and fleeting.
Personal growth is a continuous journey that shapes our identity, values, and beliefs. This journey involves self-reflection, overcoming challenges, and pursuing goals and passions. Unlike the instant gratification of social media, personal development requires time, effort, and introspection. It is through this process that we gain wisdom, resilience, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. These achievements are inherently personal and cannot be measured by external validation.
Recognizing the limitations of social media’s role in our lives does not necessitate its complete rejection. Instead, it invites a more mindful and balanced approach to its use. By setting boundaries around our digital consumption, we can reclaim time for activities that foster real-world connections, personal growth, and genuine happiness. It is also crucial to cultivate a sense of self-worth that is independent of online validation, focusing instead on our real-life accomplishments and relationships.
While social media remains a significant aspect of modern life, it is essential to remember that it is just one facet of our existence. The true essence of life lies in the richness of experiences, the depth of our relationships, and the journey of personal growth. These aspects provide a lasting sense of fulfilment and happiness that far surpasses the fleeting satisfaction derived from social media metrics. By embracing life beyond the digital sphere, we can lead more balanced, meaningful, and fulfilling lives.
Rev. Kamomonti wa Kiambati teaches English and Literature in Gatundu North Sub-County.
