Connect (verb) meaning bring together so that a real link is established.

Superficial (adjective) meaning existing or occurring at or on the surface.

– appearing to be real or true only until examined more closely.

Nowadays, it is very difficult to find and establish real connections.

Social media has made it harder for everyone to connect in the truest sense of the word.

Now, our thoughts and feelings are replaced by emojis. With just a click, we can let someone know what we think without elaborating on what we’re really thinking or feeling.

Social media has taken away our ability to express our thoughts and emotions in words, thus giving us the impression that we are connected – but up to what extent?

Does giving someone a heart or a thumbs up emoji without really reading or finding out in detail what was written in full, make us truly connected? Can we really say that the people that are reacting truly felt or empathized with the writer or poster, just because they see part of what was said?

Are we reacting to give the impression that we really felt that or just out of habit?

Instagram and Facebook are a good example. People like posts while mindlessly scrolling or while passing time. How many can we say took the time to read what it was about? How many took the time to get to know the poster?

Links and written posts are another example. How many can we say actually clicked, visited the site and read the whole post? What percentage of people do you think actually read it in detail?

Why do you think people just express their sentiments or thoughts with just an emoji? Why not actually express it in written words?

Perhaps they’re busy? Perhaps it’s more convenient to just leave a heart or a thumbs up or a sad face and the choices goes on. Was it because it is easier to say, “Read,” instead of actually expressing that they truly felt that or maybe express their agreement or disagreement about it?

What kind of connections can we call this long list of emojis?

But what can we expect from these social media platforms? We are all just numbers, a check mark, and dollar signs.

Can we put the blame on just the platforms?

As far as true and real connections go…

Aren’t we supposed to be a thinking and feeling creations? What and who made us quit being one?

Which one would you rather be or have? Will you settle for the real link or the one that appears to be true?

Well, let me check my emojis…

Until next time,