In this essay I will: How social media made everyone afraid of trying

It seems we all knew that one person growing up who decided to bear the brunt of middle school cruelty in pursuit of self expression. What followed was a tale as old as time: the force of negativity outweighs the fulfillment of passion. Retreat becomes the solution.  

I always grew up under the impression that the price of authenticity is criticism. The minute someone steps into the spotlight—they’re bound to draw antagonism. I also assumed that as we got older, my peers would grow out of this need to criticize—myself included, but it turns out I was wrong. 

Crystalized into the concept of “cringe culture,” social media has created a breeding ground for bulldozing anyone who tries to make something of themselves. One could argue this is the price to pay for notoriety. I’d argue otherwise. No one should have to be sacrificed to an ocean of animosity simply because they want to make something of themselves. We have to ask why this is the case. 

You could say it’s jealousy, but I think it’s a case of nonchalance. Social media algorithms love to feed perfection without showcasing the build-up or follow through. All we’re given within a vertical frame is a depiction of someone’s life. Most times it comes in an easy, digestible package—as if we, too, should have this manicured life without the effort.

Snackable content, especially the idealism of influencer life, discourages anyone from appearing like they should try. This effort equates to embarrassment. Even scarier, it’s not only encouraged to appear indifferent, but to be cold in the face of wrongdoing–a product of a hive mind mentality. Outfits are dictated as trends while audio snippets become the basis for mainstream music. If someone strays from this hive, they become the target of judgment. 

But the great loser in all of this is you. The person who wants to try, but is scared. 

A world that lacks art, all rooted in fear, is a lonely one. Great music stems from vulnerability. Paintings and books only exist because someone was willing to wear their heart on their sleeve. Our very ability to connect with one another is rooted within these bids for connection—within the art that defines us. 

By not acting on your passions, you not only lose the chance to discover who you could become—but you also cut yourself off from an entire world of people who would love to connect with you, a number far greater than your dissenters. 

I’m not immune to the judgment I’ve received while trying. I’ve had bullies from my childhood come back in droves to spam comments,and make fun of my videos in group chats. No matter the case, cruelty stings. Still, I remain the subject of discussion. If it weren’t for persistence, the need to detach from this wave of apathy and criticism, you also would not be reading my words on this very page. 

I am only here, as you are only here, because of a need to keep going—in light of cringe culture’s vengeful glow. I encourage anyone reading this to persist in the face of such harshness. The criticism will persist, but one day, when you’re above it all, you can rewrite the narrative.

Curious about what else Spencer is into? Get real-time updates at shelf.im/byspencerthomas