• Home
• /
• Letters

What works on social media doesn't work well in real life

Likes and shares on social media make us happy. Even if these are fake, in the sense that a lot of people habitually hit the 'like' button on everything that they see. Yet, many people measure their worth and popularity through the number of likes and shares they receive. In the world of social media, this is a parameter that makes us happy and content. So how about using a similar approach in our 'offline' lives.
Our world today needs more kindness than ever. If you know someone who is having a hard day and struggling, it may be a good idea to use the power of a compliment to cheer him up a bit. I don't see any harm in giving compliments. I would do that the whole day to make someone feel good, even if it means giving a fake compliment sometimes. If a fake compliment can make someone happy, even for a little while, why not?
But the point to ponder here is, the features that make social media special are the same that are ridiculed in the real life. Compliments are passed off as flattery. A person who is liberal with compliments is seen as a pleaser, or someone who has an ulterior motive.
Through flattery, we might be setting ourselves up for trouble. What counts as love and affection on social media is viewed with suspicion in real life.
- Lamiya Siraj, Abu Dhabi