In this sample of a paragraph from my “Social Media and Self” essay, I include the ideas of an expert in the field of internet communications on humans. This was from the beginning of the essay, and was used to set up my take on the matter.
Social media allows individuals to project whichever part of one’s self onto the internet forever. While this may seem cathartic, it could also be viewed as “junk food for the brain” as many describe it. Projecting a self or feelings onto social media might be helpful, however, what is shown on social media isn’t the “true you”, which applies to everyone. This can be harmful when comparing other people’s online personas, their desired self, to a true, offline self that may not be as fun or interesting or happy as what people see around them. Susan Greenfield, a researcher on the internet and its effect on everyday life, would agree with this statement. In her own novel, Mind Change, Greenfield states “the Internet provides individuals with a unique opportunity for self expression” (Greenfield 114). Greenfield, as a researcher, understands the nature of activity on the internet. Because she understands the nature of the internet, though, she understands its effect on people.
