Social Media Content: Crisis of Individuality -Md Ashraful Islam

Social media has an enormous impact on people’s minds as they become accustomed to scrolling through newsfeeds on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X. They randomly consume various types of content (both meaningful and meaningless) circulating on these platforms. This content consistently captures attention and influences the brain, leading individuals to follow trends without consciously realizing it. As a result, people begin to desire things they hardly need in their daily lives, leading to a shift in behavioral patterns and contributing to a crisis of individuality.

For example, if someone sees a designer bag or dress on an influencer’s Instagram account, they may start to long for it, even if it’s beyond their financial means, simply because it’s trendy. This phenomenon is often referred to as “the craze of these platforms.” Over time, individuals may begin to adopt new lifestyles, shaped by these trends.

People often scroll through their newsfeeds during breaks from work or even while working. They frequently check for reactions and comments on their posts or browse to see what others have uploaded. These actions often happen unconsciously, as users form habits from repeatedly performing these behaviors without thinking.

As these habits take root, people become less willing to break free from them. Many are reluctant to even reflect on their behavior. Instead, they simply go with the flow, using platforms like Facebook and Instagram to watch reels and videos. Although they may intend to spend only a little time doing this, the constant stream of content—especially trendy videos—keeps them hooked.

A large number of users follow content creators, such as fashion and makeup vloggers, and end up watching random content like makeup tutorials, bag reviews, and much more. Although they may not be able to afford the products featured, they still desire them. Many even attempt to create their own videos for personal satisfaction or to show off.

For example, if someone were given extravagant products but couldn’t upload photos or videos of them to social media, their first thought might be, “What’s the point if I can’t show it to others?” Other users watch these videos, inquire about the prices, and begin to aspire to afford the items, even when they cannot. This behavior can lead people down a metaphorical “rabbit hole.”

The human brain is incredibly powerful, adapting automatically to external stimuli. Activities in our surroundings have a profound influence on our behavioral patterns. The human brain, being the most sophisticated tool in the world, should be used wisely.
As society becomes increasingly advanced through technology, and since humans are inherently social beings, it’s inevitable that we interact with social media. However, people should approach social media use cautiously to avoid being unconsciously manipulated by the content they consume.

Md Ashraful Islam is a student of Law at Jagannath University