SOCIAL MEDIA TODAY: A LOST REFLECTION OF HUMANITY?
To be honest, I never truly experienced the full spectrum of human nature until I began creating content for social media. My journey into the digital world began back in February of 2001, and over the years, I’ve watched it evolve—sometimes for the better, but often for the worse. Social media once held a certain magic. It was a place where like-minded individuals met, shared ideas, and supported one another’s personal journeys and aspirations. It offered a platform for creative thinkers, activists, and visionaries to connect across continents. It gave voice to the voiceless and strengthened communities that had been scattered across the globe.
Back then, it felt real. People had goals, passions, and purpose. Social media served to enhance those pursuits by allowing individuals to meet others who were building something of substance. There was a sense of authenticity—a desire to lead meaningful lives and connect deeply. But somewhere along the line, the tide shifted. I began to notice that social media, by design, started to strip us of our dignity, our sense of purpose, and even our humanity. It no longer supported us in building, but rather, in unraveling.
Over time, many of us slowly leaned into the ego-driven side of these platforms. It became less about sharing and more about showing off. The darker sides of our personalities—envy, insecurity, vanity—were no longer hidden. They were amplified, encouraged, and rewarded with clicks, comments, and digital validation. We were reduced to our most basic selves, and that reduction began to shape the very way we relate to each other. The worst parts of ourselves became public performances.
As I continued to observe this transformation, I began to feel that social media was draining the life out of people. It created a timeless vacuum where hours are lost to mindless scrolling. Most users don’t even realize how much time is slipping away as they consume content that brings no joy, no growth, no insight—just noise. This, in part, is why I find myself disinterested in what social media has become. It’s no longer life-giving; it’s life-draining.
There’s so little soul left in it. I now focus only on what brings me fulfillment—my art, my expressions, my truths. I’m not here to argue with disgruntled strangers or feed into toxic engagements. I’m not burned out, but I’ve become acutely aware that social media doesn’t offer the same life force it once did. The environment is saturated with low-vibrational content, competitive egos, and empty projections. It doesn’t feed the spirit—it starves it.
THE EVOLUTION OF A DIGITAL LANDSCAPE
In the early days of my online presence, I found joy in platforms like BlackPlanet, where I connected with fellow creatives, thinkers, and activists. There was a collective spirit, an energy of discovery and collaboration. People shared from a place of passion, not for clout. But today, that spirit has been replaced with carefully curated personas, polished illusions, and hollow engagements. People have become advertisements of false selves, sculpted for likes and follows, not for truth or connection.
Worse yet, many of these interactions feel as though they’re with entities that lack genuine humanity. It may sound far-fetched to some, but I’ve come to believe that there are individuals moving through these platforms who are soulless in spirit—functioning bodies that give nothing of substance, empathy, or love. These digital vampires drain your life force with every toxic interaction, leaving you depleted. When my sister and I spoke about this, we both agreed that something is deeply off.
The longer I’ve been involved in this digital space, the more I can sense it. If you’re new to the game, you might not notice the shift—but if you’ve been around as long as I have, the contrast is undeniable. That’s why I choose to pull back. I still create, but with intention. I don’t immerse myself in the chaos. I visit social media with a purpose—to share, to uplift, to challenge thinking—not to chase popularity or validate my worth through shallow metrics.
It’s become clear to me that many people are on social media not to grow, but to escape themselves. The validation they seek from strangers does little to improve their real lives. And when tragedy strikes—when someone who’s given so much dies—it’s disturbing to see how quickly the world forgets. They are stepped over, just like discarded trash, in the race to consume the next spectacle. That reality speaks volumes about the superficial nature of these platforms today.
As I begin this new chapter of my life here in West Africa, I feel like I’ve returned to something real. It reminds me of that early joy, that raw creativity and connection. The people here, the culture, the experiences—they ground me. They inspire me. This new life stands in stark contrast to the hollow echo chamber that social media has become. It feels like a rebirth, a reset, a chance to once again surround myself with truth, purpose, and meaning.
MOVING FORWARD WITH PURPOSE
So while I will still be present on social media, I will no longer be consumed by it. My focus will be on creating content that uplifts, informs, and empowers. I want to pour into the lives of those who seek growth, healing, and understanding. The empty interactions, the vanity metrics, and the toxic back-and-forths no longer have a place in my journey. My time here on this earth is finite, and I intend to spend it doing things that matter.
Life is meant to be lived with intention, not wasted chasing shadows. I encourage others to reclaim their time and energy and to step away from the noise whenever possible. Create, share, love—but do so with awareness. Don’t let algorithms define your worth or engagement shape your identity. Social media is a tool, not a truth. And when we forget that, we allow ourselves to become puppets in someone else’s game.
I’ve seen too much to pretend it’s all harmless fun. I’ve felt the emotional and spiritual toll it can take. But I’ve also felt the joy of meaningful engagement, the beauty of sincere expression, and the power of community when it’s real. That’s what I want more of, and that’s what I will continue to strive toward. Even if the platform changes, the mission remains the same.
At the end of the day, social media is not what it used to be—and that’s okay. Everything evolves. But we must evolve, too, and know when to step back, reassess, and align ourselves with higher purpose. For me, that purpose lies beyond the screen, in real-world connections, in nature, in creation, and in divine alignment with something greater than likes or shares.
So if you follow me, know that I’m still here, but I’m operating differently. I’m moving with purpose, not popularity. I’m chasing peace, not clout. I’m striving to remain a light in a world that too often celebrates darkness. And I hope to see more of us doing the same, before we forget who we really are.
