I don’t know about you, but ever since the pandemic, I have found myself spending a lot more time…on social media.
Take one look at your “screen time” feature on your phone, and I’m sure – like me – you’ll be baffled and rightfully disgusted by the amount of time spent looking at a 2 inch x 5 inch pocket computer.
Instagram, email, FaceTime, Facebook, Tic Tok…
I mean, sure, these social media platforms are great for keeping in touch with my family and friends across the country and world that I miss so much. And frankly, without this lifesaving technology during quarantine, I simply don’t know how I would have survived.
But that lifeline to the outside world I desperately depended on for the 4 or five months in true lockdown, has now become too much of my life. And thankfully, I’ve been able to “check that,” and I’m really working to limit my phone usage, but I can really see how as a society, we have become absolutely addicted to our smart devices, particularly after this pandemic.
This addictive side of social media…it preys on our need for approval and validation, and in the mean time, it warps our sense of self, and skews our perception of interpersonal interaction and how we view the world.
I watched a really fascinating documentary over the weekend called The Social Dilemma. And it was about exactly that.
Featuring interviews with the people who created, developed and founded Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Snapchat etc., The Social Dilemma pulls back the curtain on how our addiction to these social media platforms isn’t by accident: the apps are purposefully designed that way.
For example…have you ever wondered why the notification you get when you’re tagged in a photo on Facebook or Instagram doesn’t include the actual photo?
It’s because they know how to get you to spend time on their app.
The long and the short of it: they want us to spend as much time as we possibly can on their social media platform.
They are in the game of manipulation. The ads you see, the notifications you receive, the post or video suggestions you get — they’ve taken the myriad of data they’ve collected on every “like,” page visit, how many seconds you spend watching a particular video or post — they’re taking all that information, and trying to keep your eyeballs on their platform.
Why?
Because we are the product “they are selling.”
Not to us…to advertisers.
Social media is this seemingly too good to be true treasure trove of “free content.” I mean, have you ever wondered – how is this free? I know I have. Or how Facebook actually makes money?
Perhaps you’ve heard the saying, “If you’re not paying for it, you’re the product.”
Yep – that’s the scary long and short of it.
We. are. the. product.
All the data they’ve collected. All the cognitively manipulative ways they’ve discovered how to influence our actions, our buying patterns, our thought processes. Social media platforms can literally serve you and me on a silver platter to ad companies who are looking for customers just like us.
Think that’s scary?
Well you’re absolutely right. It is.
But not for just those data security reasons. But ethical ones too.
This whole manipulative aspect of social media, frankly terrifies me.
The news media, has historically been known as the gatekeeper of news and information. They decide what we think about, and more importantly – depending on how they present it – they decide how we think about it.
So… with social media now being a main source of news for people… what happens when that gatekeeper of information is literally in the business of manipulation?
And the scariest part of all this? It’s happening right under our noses, and we’re completely oblivious to it.
My most recent article from Thursday, called A Tale of Two Political Nuns, was censored by Facebook. It was a pro-life article, and I received an email on Thursday around midnight, that it was rejected for violating “community standards.”
Being pro-life — is violating community standards.
And this is not the first time.
I have had FOUR — count them FOUR — other overtly pro-life articles be censored from Facebook as well.
The first time I thought it was a fluke, but as soon as I saw the pattern, I knew that I was experiencing first-hand their narrative manipulation at play.
They are the gatekeepers of what you, me and the entire world consumes, and my pro-life, Christian message is not welcome in their time-sucking “utopia.”
I got that message loud and clear.
So it begs the question…how can we trust them?
How can we trust that these companies that are literally dictating what we consume for — on average 6+ hours a DAY?
Are we really willing to surrender our attention, world view, and definition of morality to companies that are okay with promoting movies like, “Cuties” – which is about 12 year old girls twerking, and is borderline child pornography — and yet censors pro-life Christian blog articles?
We’ve got to ask ourselves, what is their agenda here?
Seriously. I’m not trying to be alarmist or anything. Really – what agenda are they pushing here?
And more importantly, do I want to be a participant?
We’re seeing it play out right before our eyes. The freight train is barreling down the tracks. Full steam ahead.
So. Sadly, there’s not a neat little button to wrap up this post with. But simply the awareness that it’s happening is a good place to start.
Whether you want to join the thousands that have canceled their Netflix memberships to protest the Cuties movie, or even just try to spend less time scrolling — my challenge to you is this. Have a critical eye when consuming the content you’re served on these “free” platforms.
Because we are the product.
But only if we choose to participate.
This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5
A huge shoutout to Reason Nutrition Beverage! Their all-natural, high calorie drink is not only delicious, but it has no “garbage” in it! Utilizing the wholesome goodness of coconut oil, it’s a phenomenal option for those needing to gain weight in recovery, or for those simply looking to supplement their diet with convenient and fast nutrition. Check them out!
A big thank you to my foundational sponsor, BetterHelp Online Therapy. I cannot begin to express how beneficial therapy was for my recovery from anorexia. Speak with an online therapist. Or check out content about eating disorders from BetterHelp.
***THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS ORDERED MY BOOKS, BLOOM: A JOURNAL BY BEAUTYBEYONDBONES AND “MY BLOGGING TIPS“***Click to order your copy!
SIGN UP BELOW FOR MY FREE NEWSLETTER!
GET MY DAILY VIDEOS, RECIPES AND POSTS DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX!
[mc4wp_form id=”30616″]
Here was yesterday’s video! https://youtu.be/8pmp4ZI968A
MAGIC TOOTHPASTE? Yes! I am in love with this superior whitening toothpaste. It keeps my smile sparkling, without sensitivity or bleach! I made a website where you can directly order this miracle product! So if you want to give it a try, you can go ahead and grab a tube for yourself. I promise, your smile will thank you!Get a tube!
Be sure to check out my affiliate, Audible. Listening to audiobooks while I cook is literally my new favorite thing. And just for you, they’re offering a Free 30-Day Trial Membership. And with this free membership, you’re going to get 2 free audiobooks! Literally. Free. It is the best deal ever. And if for some reason, you decide it’s not for you, you can cancel within those 30 days and it’s zero money out of your pocket, plus, you get to keep the 2 audiobooks. Soooo…it’s pretty much a no brainer. Plus, it’s a free and easy way to support this blog! So thank you!!
Huge shoutout to my favorite: Ethos Spa Skin and Laser Center in Summit, New Jersey! Located just outside of NYC, this gorgeous medical spa keeps my skin healthy and bright! Stop in and treat yo’self! 🙂
STAY CONNECTED!
@beauty.beyond.bones – Instagram
For Podcast versions of my posts, please check out Patreon! It’s only $2 a month!! You make this blog possible 🙂
And really quickly, I’ve had several questions concerning my Amazon link (amazon.com/shop/beautybeyondbones) — You do not need to buy one of my specific highlighted products on my page, in order for it to “credit” my account. Any purchases that you search or make from anywhere on Amazon, after first visiting my Amazon page, will credit this blog and help support this blog ministry. I am truly so grateful and appreciative to those of you wanting to do so! So thank you! Again, it is an absolutely free, and easy way for you to help keep this blog going!
BeautyBeyondBones 
Yeah.. social media has basically taken over much of our lives in the past couple of decades.
I’ve heard even in the professional arena, if you are not on LinkedIn, sometimes you are basically ignored as a serious candidate for a job. I’ve even heard that candidates were judged based on what they shared on their own social media. That’s not cool in my book. If someone wants their work and their private life to be separate, it seems that is almost an impossibility these days. You are your own social media account and Yes, you are the product that social media companies are selling these days.
I watched a video where one reviewer actually tested how many times your own mobile device sends out data and information; even if you switch all those features off. Well… I’ll never be using an Android device. It turns out that the Device contacts Google every single second even if you are not using data.
Apple is no different with their iPhones, but at least you know that your data is with them and not being sold to other parties. Basically they use your history is sell you only Apple products and services. That is about it.
But yeah.. you are being tracked. Every time you shop online or browse the internet. And as social media and the mainstream media seek to distort our way of thinking, its almost impossible to ignore the fact that it has taken over humanity.
I was listening to an ad on the radio whilst driving and it said, “let your child join our schools that encourage your kids to think openly, out of the box; so that they are able to become the leaders of tomorrow.”
My pessimistic brain was immediately thinking, “Yes, you encourage them to be free thinkers so that they can get into college; where they will be brainwashed and pressured to stop and think more like their teachers and peers.”
If you are to live a normal happy existence on this planet, you need to go somewhere away from social media and its influence… a remote pacific island, etc – completely off the grid.
Maybe that is why “Overlanding” is seemly an appealing option to me lately.
LikeLike
Thank you friend for sharing your thoughts on this. Yeah linked in is seriously business. And surprisingly it is also known as the new dating app. Curious. Overlanding how interesting! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Funny how some people who want free speech for their own purposes (greed, exploitation, “expression,” etc.) are only too eager to shut down someone else–someone with traditional views from our Christian heritage, views that stood the test of time for centuries. SO appreciate your voice in the blogosphere, Caralyn. You are wise beyond your years!
LikeLike
thank you Nancy, I am right there with ya! it is so sad. THank you for your kind words of encouragement! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Precisely. Really crazy how someone can put the label of facist to one person and protest “facism” by being facist themselves. Sometimes I just think someone should walk up to Antifa and say.. “So, you’re Anti-yourselves..? Don’t quite follow the logic there buddy.”
LikeLike
We need this reminder, thanks for the post!
I find it helps to decide, and articulate in my mind, exactly what I’m going to do on my device before I turn it on or open it. We all know there are good reasons for using them. It’s hard, but let’s keep ourselves accountable to using them the way we intend and not the way they intend.
But I need to be reminded continually. Thanks for that!
LikeLike
Thanks Jeremy. Yes! You’re right about that! Those devices are powerful! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Hi Caralyn,
another easy read would be the book #struggles – Following Jesus in a Selfie-Centred World by Craig Groeschel
Ultimately we determine how much sway Social Media has over us and how much we want to utilise to get His message out there. Because regardless if we like it or not, accept it or want to unplug from it – an increasing number of people are living in this digital space and that is where they go to first.
I posted about this a while back which may be of interest after reading an article by Carey Nieuwhof here https://wp.me/p1cXdn-LC
Have a good one & God bless
Perry
LikeLike
Thanks Perry for the reccos! I will definitely check them out!! You’re right I think we’re going to have to learn to navigate it. Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
I have another book recco; A Catholic Vote for Trump. So far it’s a good read. Makes a good point about how important it is to stop judging the presidents faith walk and focus on how committed he is in allowing people to walk out their faith uninhibited by the lib-left.
LikeLike
Oh that’s awesome, thank you so much! That really makes a lot of sense! I’ll have to get a copy!! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Your “nuns” article shows up on my facebook. Are you lying for attention or what?
LikeLike
Hi Jack, no i am not – the ad i purchased to promote it was rejected. i can send you the email if you would like “proof.”
LikeLike
This is an awesome post! Learned a lot, will definitely be changing some of my habits!
LikeLike
oh my gosh thank you Lia! 🙂 I’m so glad this resonated with you! have an amazing day! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
A few days ago, I decided to stop using Facebook unless it was to post a link to my blog. Otherwise, my friends, who are all bums, would never bother to read it. Which is probably not much less than they aren’t reading it already. It’s a lot like an alcoholic whose only friends are at the bar. He wants to stop drinking, but they just tell him he will be back.
My own daughter has been struggling with gender identity issues, and I believe that most of these started because of how the algorithms focus information, specifically on impressionable minds. But if you say that on Facebook, you’ll be censored.
LikeLike
oh wow that’s such a smart move with Facebook! you’re right on the money. thank you Clinton, for sharing that about your daughter. I will certainly keep her and your family in my prayers as you navigate this season together. Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
I appreciate your prayers. Thank you.
LikeLike
absolutely 🙂
LikeLike
I refer to this stuff as “drater media” (reverse the letters of the first word to de-crypt it 😉 ). I wrote an article about this on MY blog many years ago (and also many years after people started complaining about my use of the term)… it’s called “Definition: How to define RM” (for correct spelling of RM, decipher according to above algorithm).
LikeLike
Oh, I just realized that (maybe?) I wanted this to be a reply to Clinton’s comment above — which is indeed very insightful !!
Many people see little similarity between Facebook + Google, but IMHO those two companies are in very similar lines of business, and their business models are also essentially the same. Both of these brands are considered to be very successful, but (again IMHO) these brands far more damage than they actually help anyone (for more on this, please try to decode [+ search for + hopefully even find] the title I mention above 😉 ).
My approach to information (and IMO it’s a “natural” + very effective approach in order to match up supply + demand in the information marketplace) is to use natural language (in other words: English + similar globally used languages) as the fundamental technology (rather than relying on the complex algorithms such “brand name” companies use).
For Clinton’s + Caralyn’s interests, words like “gender”, “food”, “health”, etc. seem much more significant important (to me) than brand names such as “Google” or “facebook”.
LikeLike
Ojhhh gotcha! So sorry – on my dashboard, it doesn’t show the order of comments or if it’s a reply – they’re just stand alone. So sorry! Thank you for clarifying. Lots of powerful food for thought!
LikeLike
Caralyn, You’re right on about the manipulation going on behind the scenes on these social media platforms. We need much HS discernment to escape it’s evil clutch. May the Spirit of God give us His guidance and wisdom. 🙏
LikeLike
You’re on a reading roll! thank you so much! you’re absolutely right – we are in desperate need of His discernment! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Social media is both a blessing and a curse. Thank you for keeping the heat turned up!
LikeLike
You’re right about that Lea! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
[…] case you missed it in the Halloween craziness, less than two weeks ago, Facebook and everyone’s favorite ginger, Mark Zuckerberg, announced that the social media giant was […]
LikeLike
Thank you for the link up! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike