on consuming content responsibly
not everything is for you or about you - scroll wisely
ever feel like your phone is tricking you into thinking the whole world is crafted just for your entertainment and enjoyment? that’s the illusion it builds in your mind.
but here’s the hard truth: not everything on your screen is meant for you.
we live in a time where social media bombards us with a never-ending stream of memes, articles, videos, and personal updates. it’s like an all-you-can-eat buffet, but not everything on the table is for you.
sometimes, you’ll stumble upon a post that makes no sense to you or simply doesn’t resonate. and that’s okay. the world does not revolve around your understanding or approval. just because you don’t get it doesn’t mean you have to comment or interact with it in a hostile manner. or actually, in any manner at all.
curiosity vs. entitlement
it's crucial to understand that being curious and asking questions is part of learning and growing.
it's okay to seek explanations, but there's a line between genuine curiosity and expecting the world around you to spoon-feed you everything.
if you come across a piece of content that piques your interest, take the initiative to research it. for example, if someone posts a historical reference you don’t understand, look it up.
you’ll find that the effort you put into understanding enriches your knowledge far more than expecting others to do it for you.
the toxic entitlement
what’s troubling is the self-centered entitlement some people exhibit toward others online. they feel that because they don’t understand something, they have the right to demand explanations or, worse, to harass and belittle others. this kind of behavior is not just ignorant; it’s toxic. people share their work to express themselves, to connect, and to contribute to a larger conversation. people have a right to that!
deliberately going out of your way to be hostile or condescending only makes the online space less welcoming for everyone.
another layer to this entitlement comes from parasocial relationships—those one-sided connections where a follower feels intimately connected to someone, despite that person creating the content doesn’t even know they exist. this phenomenon can lead to unrealistic expectations! some believe that just because someone is online, that they should be able to handle abuse and constant questions about everything they say, and i don’t think that’s the right expectation to set.
the reality is that people who post on the internet, like everyone else, have limits and deserve respect.
the burden on POC creators
i’ve seen way too many creators who are people of color, especially Black people, often bear the brunt of this entitlement.
they frequently find themselves acting as unpaid educators, expected to explain their culture, memes, and experiences to outsiders. this constant demand for free emotional labor is exhausting and unfair. just because someone shares a part of their life or culture online doesn’t mean they owe you an explanation.
it's important to recognize the additional burdens placed on people in the ways we interact with content and people online, and not enough of us do it - myself included.
practical steps for responsible consumption
scroll mindfully: before you react, think about whether the content is relevant to you. not everything needs your input.
use search engines: if you don’t understand something, look it up. it’s quick, easy, and effective. today, even ai can gather information for you on google.
check your ego: not everything is about you. some content is meant for specific audiences or contexts that you might not be part of. and that’s okay.
avoid unnecessary commentary: if you don’t get a meme or a post, it’s okay to move on without commenting. it's not the end of the world if you don’t understand everything you see.
respect the creator’s space: the person who posted the content did so for a reason. respect their space and their intentions.
by consuming content responsibly, you contribute to a healthier online environment. you reduce the noise of unnecessary comments and interactions, making space for meaningful discussions and connections. it also shows maturity and respect for the diversity of content and perspectives online.
understanding propaganda tactics and media literacy
it's also important to recognize that some content is primed to get you foaming at the mouth! sensationalism and outrage are powerful tools for driving engagement and spreading propaganda. learning to disconnect and judge when your input or interaction online is necessary can help mitigate the impact of these tactics. when you refuse to take the bait, you make sensationalism less profitable and effective. media literacy plays a crucial role here. understanding the techniques used to manipulate emotions and sway opinions is key to navigating online content responsibly.
developing media literacy means being able to discern credible sources from unreliable ones, recognizing bias, and critically evaluating the information presented to you. this is essential for thinking independently and not falling prey to lies. instead of reacting impulsively to provocative content, take a step back and consider the intent behind it. ask yourself why it was created and what it aims to achieve.
is it worth your energy?
at the end of the day, social media is a shared space, and it’s high time we learn to navigate it with a bit more grace and responsibility.
not everything you see is for you or aimed at you, and that’s perfectly fine. the next time you encounter something that doesn’t make sense, pause. ask yourself if it’s meant for you. if it’s not, scroll on by. take responsibility for your own understanding. use google. be curious, but don’t expect others to do the work for you. take the time to stop and judge whether what’s being said is even true or correct. by doing so, you’ll not only save yourself from unnecessary frustration, but you’ll also make the online world a bit more pleasant for everyone else.
so, next time you encounter something you don't understand, think twice before reacting. ask yourself if it’s worth your energy or if you’re just adding to the noise.
remember, in a world that's constantly shouting, sometimes the wisest thing you can do is quietly move on.
Wow, this really hit home for me!! I don't think we ever think about this. I never realized how much I expect the internet to cater to my whims until reading this. It's true that we often demand explanations or react negatively when we don't understand something, instead of just moving on. The point about POC creators bearing the brunt of this entitlement is so important—I’ve seen it happen too, and it’s a reminder to be more respectful and mindful in my interactions. I’ve been guilty of not using search engines when I don’t get a reference, and I can see now how that’s part of the problem. This essay made me think about my own behavior online and how I can contribute to a healthier, more respectful space. Thank you for this eye-opener.