Human Cost of ‘Social’ Life: An Unhappy Generation
The ‘Trump’ theatrics hog headlines in proportions the media perhaps never imagined. The operatic tariff tantrums, geopolitical groans and megalomaniac mannerisms have literally colonised prime times, front pages and podcasts. Amidst the sights and sounds of fury, what loses steam is the core tectonic shift needling humankind to pause and ponder.
The discerning disquiet should have been over Mark Zuckerberg’s sheepish appearance in an US court and a defiant defence against allegations of Meta’s algorithm fogging a child’s psychological chamber. An unnamed woman identified only as Kaley GM or KGM has claimed social media apps as Instagram and YouTube are addictive in design and deliberate in purpose to maximise screen-time, even triggering depression and suicidal thoughts.
Psychological impacts often have divergent medical interpretations and Zuckerberg’s barrage of well-heeled legal minds are exploring, rather exploiting, inconclusive inferences. But, the lawsuit has hammered open Pandora’s Box and left Prometheus unbound. This isn’t the Prometheus of PB Shelley. This is the ‘Modern Prometheus’ of Mary Shelley. The Frankenstein of social media. It is gulping down childhood and chewing on adulthood to render an entire generation discontented and disturbed.
The underlying refrain in modern parenthood across the globe is disappearing playgrounds. It is better to rephrase the syndrome as abandoned playgrounds. There was a time when childhood brewed in unbridled and uninhibited innocence on the green grass. It unfolded slowly. Friendships were local, comparisons were limited. Identities evolved in relative psychological ease. Today’s childhood is algorithmic subservience. It is subjected to incalculable eyes, immeasurable opinions and infinite emotions. For teenagers, social validation is survival. Even for the adults. The cognitive ability to separate self-worth from social media metrics is waning. Approval has become quantifiable, identity is becoming statistical.
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The silent revolution is in the background. It is working overtime, integrating artificial intelligence with territorial dominance of social media. We usually gripe about our smartphones eavesdropping on our conversations. Technology is ensuring the invasion of privacy and psychology assumes laser precision. Feeds and feedback will analyse every pause, every glance, every hesitation and every interaction.
The perfected bodies, curated lifestyles and exaggerated successes are unrealistic standards coercing sub-conscious simulations. A potent cognitive distortion is emerging on the sidelines – everyone else is happier, more attractive and more successful than me! It is the by-product of intelligent optimization driving emotional intensity and obscene profit.
The analysis of data through reactions will evolve into reading of minds as a constant emotional partner who will commercially encash every subtle move. Maybe boredom will trigger chocolate advertisements, depression will prompt alcohol choices, loneliness will activate dating platforms and happiness will open celebration avenues. The implication is profound. The uprising is happening unannounced. Persuasive AI will anticipate needs, align moods and adulterate adolescence.
Perpetual emotional anxiety is a direct fallout of the marauding innovation. We are primarily vulnerable to three psychological drives – social validation, identity formation and reward sensitivity. The reaction button functions as a reward system, similar to roulette round tables. It arrives unpredictably, creating dopamine loops. Each notification becomes a micro-promise of acceptance. But, it does not stop here. The story is darker and dirtier. It has mutated into an architecture of corrosive comparison. The air-brushed realities expose us to saleable and sculpted ideals.
The debate is no longer theoretical. Australia has already banned access for children under 16, imposing heavy penalties on any deviation. France is advancing legislation while other European nations are also toeing the line. The unease is prevalent across all political systems – liberal democracies, welfare states and emerging economies.
The perfected bodies, curated lifestyles and exaggerated successes are unrealistic standards coercing sub-conscious simulations. A potent cognitive distortion is emerging on the sidelines – everyone else is happier, more attractive and more successful than me! It is the by-product of intelligent optimization driving emotional intensity and obscene profit. The guiltless innocence is paving way for guilty evaluation. Earlier, we were allowed emotional cushions and concessions. Errors were forgotten. Embarrassment was temporary. Social media evidently abolished forgetting. Every post is a public audition. Every silence is perceived rejection.
There is a counter argument or narrative – technology is neutral, human behaviour is variable. It effectively means the effect and its extent are essentially a human disposition. It holds water for a few who justify intrepid manipulation and immoral capitalism. But, for many it is sheer exploitation. Social media exploits social dependence, an indefatigable truth propelled by Aristotle in ‘Man is a social animal’ statement. Humans evolved to fear exclusion. Virtual social platforms transform this age-old survival instinct into a scalable business model. We are not addicted to technology. We are addicted to belongingness.
There is a desultory global consensus emerging on its mitigation. Global leaders are waking up to the crude reality even in the face of easy corporate coffers. The Indian Economic Survey has already recognised it as a deadly phenomenon with potential to derail the economy. It is eroding social capital and hampering productivity. States have also stepped on the gas pedal in mulling over steps towards limiting social media usage for children.
The debate is no longer theoretical. Australia has already banned access for children under 16, imposing heavy penalties on any deviation. France is advancing legislation while other European nations are also toeing the line. The unease is prevalent across all political systems – liberal democracies, welfare states and emerging economies.
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Innovation operated under the veneer of ‘greater good’ over decades. It is the time global leaders reverse the burden of proof. Platforms should demonstrate credible regulatory measures. Enforcement challenges, digital circumvention and free-speech concerns will persist. But, the trajectory is clear. Technology should not dehumanise humans. The creation should not dictate terms to the creator. We do not want to meet the fate of Victor Frankenstein.
Picture Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons, Pixabay, AI
Aditya Gole
A corporate communication professional in power sector for 15 years who has his heart still nestled in English literature and journalism. Formerly with The Times of India and The Deccan Chronicle, his first love remains scribbling, reading books, and talking endlessly over cinema.
