Online Social Media: Narcissism or Connection

Blog General P2POnline Social Media: Narcissism or Connection

June 20, 2013
2 min read

Social media profiles have been viewed by some as broadcasting oneself online, as is also the case. We talk about our day, share pictures and events, all of which may not be equally as interesting to others as to ourselves. But there is also a connection happening between those who share information and those who receive it. With regards to whether the shared item reaches more or less people, it’s just about what is being shared.

Facebook for example allows us to establish global social networks and share messages instantly across all borders and bridges. Sharing what you had for lunch may be interesting to a handful of your closest friends, but generally the rest of your Facebook friends will not be clicking to see more about this activity.

Sharing games like Farm- or Chefville on Facebook a constant reminder that we like to interact with each other online, but not necessarily in the same way. So here’s my suggestion for the next post you share online:

Make your online sharing count!

Did some of your buddies grow a mustache for Movember to raise funds and awareness for prostate and testicular cancer? Posting pictures of the growing lip hair online help spread the word. But you don’t have to grow a mustache to help.

Fundraising online is in a sense a movement counteracting online narcissism. While also making it easier to make thoughts into actions and enable everyone to take initiative as long as they have a computer and an internet connection. As this coincides with social media and our tendency to share more of ourselves online and tell people about our initiative, it becomes a viable mix.

People who want to raise money have the means to do so and the social network to make a real impact. So make your next online post count for something. Care, share, connect and make it count!

Martine Johansen

Author of the beat-novel "Hvite jenter kan ikke synge blues" (2015). Editor of the queer-culture periodical "MELK", and the poetry collective "Oslo Poesisentrum". Slampoet, performing and writing for The Red Cross, SAIH and several periodicals. Studied Journalism in London and recieved a Post Graduate Degree in 2012.