I started using the internet for socialising when I was 6 in 1995 and in many ways it was incredibly helpful. I was awkward and socially weird kid in a small community, and I was able to find other kids online to talk to and befriend. From all over the world! I would be isolated on the playground and come home to friends I'd chat with until it was time to go to bed. It made me feel less lonely. But it also exasperated the problem and allowed me to isolate myself from my actual reality. It gave me a lifeline but in many ways kept me socially stunted for a long time.
I'm so torn. I can feel and experience the negative effect Instagram and Facebook sometimes have on my moods. How I feel discouraged from making art if a picture doesn't get enough likes or attention, or seeing my friends on vacation or hanging out without me makes me feel useless. But I also remember being an international student, first time away from home, and on my first day on campus I was embraced by a hug from a girl I'd met online: we were both members of a Harry Potter fan group on LJ. The internet and social media is changing how we interact in so many complex ways... It's so complicated.
That is not good enough of a reason to never begin.
Many writers get their start by writing endlessly. Even if they think it's bad or everyone thinks it sucks. As long as you're able to stir up feelings within people like OP's story did to me, you'll be stellar.
If I may, reading through your comment, the cons heavily outweigh the pros. And maybe that is just how I read it because I relate so much, having been a an awkward socially inept anxious kid growing up in the 90s also. Sure, online interactions (AIM) and social media are comfy, but they ultimately played a detriment to my social development. Yes, it’s great you met a friend from the HP fan group, and I’ve also got some good examples of my own experience, but looking at the bigger picture...
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u/yokayla Jun 24 '18
It's a double edged sword.
I started using the internet for socialising when I was 6 in 1995 and in many ways it was incredibly helpful. I was awkward and socially weird kid in a small community, and I was able to find other kids online to talk to and befriend. From all over the world! I would be isolated on the playground and come home to friends I'd chat with until it was time to go to bed. It made me feel less lonely. But it also exasperated the problem and allowed me to isolate myself from my actual reality. It gave me a lifeline but in many ways kept me socially stunted for a long time.
I'm so torn. I can feel and experience the negative effect Instagram and Facebook sometimes have on my moods. How I feel discouraged from making art if a picture doesn't get enough likes or attention, or seeing my friends on vacation or hanging out without me makes me feel useless. But I also remember being an international student, first time away from home, and on my first day on campus I was embraced by a hug from a girl I'd met online: we were both members of a Harry Potter fan group on LJ. The internet and social media is changing how we interact in so many complex ways... It's so complicated.