Is Social Media the New Therapist?

It seems that today more than ever social media is allowing people to voice their opinions, their problems, and just about every aspect of their lives. This can include a rant about rude people, their problems with their children or family members, and what is going wrong at the time in their lives. The worst part is, they are getting advice from others, which can be good and bad.

Have you noticed that we as a society are ready to say what we think without knowing all the facts, especially with what is happening in the news? We easily trust the news media that all the information they pass along are the facts and only the facts. When you stop and think about it, most of the time they start covering a major news story long before it has run its course and all the facts are not available yet.

They have these shows on the news channels with the so called “experts” who weigh in on what they think is going to happen during a trial, even before they have chosen a jury. Just because these folks are lawyers, it doesn’t make them “experts” as they are not privy to the actual case information. Soon you get the audience who is watching this show take bits and pieces of what they have heard and run with it, mixing in their opinions and soon the false truths spread like wildfire and so does the anger and violence. Is that good or bad?

Then you have people who get on social media and let the world into their personal lives. They share photos of their food, tell of an incident which resulted in a bad day, complain about their children or family, and so on and so on. Then, the comments start from those who are their friends. Some sympathize, some say they can relate, some tell a similar story and others are just downright rude. They really don’t want to hear other people’s problems, as they are dealing with their own. Is this a good thing or bad?

It is understandable that social media is a great outlet to tell what is going on in hopes of getting compassion and sympathy, but when someone doesn’t feel the same way it can hurt, and hurt bad. You have heard of the teens getting online and voicing their anger, the sadness and even their last opinions before their deaths. Is it a cry for help? Where are the experts now?

So, when you decide to let the masses know your deepest thoughts and problems, you need to understand that you are not talking with an expert therapist. You are getting feedback from those who may know a little from their own circumstances, and then add their opinions in with their comments. This makes for a dangerous atmosphere, especially for those who need serious help. So, the next time someone wants to tell you their daily dilemmas, it might be best to think about your answer before you comment. They may hang on to your every word as though you are their therapist.

Whether it is a therapist or not is a matter of discussion but there’s no doubt that it has certainly influenced young minds to workout innovative solutions on their own for various problems prevalent in the society. Instagram has proved to be the latest success that has triggered the boom period for social media when it was launched some years back. The original source for instagram services notwithstanding, it has acquired an identity of its own.