“You
don’t need to prove your value on social media to feel valued and loved.” - Essena O’Neill
Essena O’Neill 'quit' social media in
order to perpetuate a certain message to her followers. The Australian star
claims she quit social media as it was a ‘fake’ platform that fosters
insecurity, misery, loneliness and ultimately depression. In today’s society
the public is infatuated with the mass media and consumption. In her book The Culture of Connectivity: A Critical
History of Social Media van Dijck argues that social exchange is based on
numerous neoliberal economic principles. Social connectivity derives from
pressures associated with various technologies the public has access to (van
Dijck 21). Jose van Dijck argues that the popularity principle has an influence
on ranking mechanisms and competition amongst peers (21). This is often not in
the best interest of the public as it can hinder self-worth and confidence.
Essena O’Neill’s self-proclaimed
experience with social media supports notions of Jose Van Dijck’s neoliberal
economic beliefs. In her video ‘Why I REALLY am quitting social media,’ O’Neill
argues that social media is a business. She claims the only time she felt confident
within herself was when she got numerous likes and comments. O’Neill argues that
she let numbers define her significance. Likes, views and followers influenced
her self worth and identity. Perfecting and proving yourself to others is a
constant competition as you are always comparing yourself to the next best
thing. Many people believe popularity is the bases of success and happiness.
O’Neill’s story parallels Van Dijck’s argument that social media and technology
amplify social insecurity and anxiety.
As mentioned above, in her video ‘Why I REALLY am quitting social media,’ O’Neill argues social media is a business. Although I agree with the majority of O’Neill’s argument I find it somewhat hypocritical that she calls it a business, yet asks for financial support for rent at the end of her video. In addition, O'Neill has launched a new website '"lets be game changers." The new site outlines various sections including a 'support this' section seeking funding. O'Neill outlines funding will go towards various things including a bigger and better platform for her website as well as a video series. Do you feel this contradicts with her argument?! Is O'Neill really quitting social media? Just food for thought!
Social media is a business, and Essena was one of the lucky users who was actually able to make a profit off it- unlike us regular people. I think it's completely unfair that she continues to position herself as a celebrity and a role model because she's taken herself off of social media. All that's really changed is that her job on social media now now has become hating on her old job.
ReplyDeleteClearly, she doesn't understand the actual implications of the competitive nature of social media, and rather took this opportunity to talk about why she's miserable and why she shouldn't have to work to make money like the rest of us. I really can't believe she's asking for donations.
I find it very strange how she is asking for donations on her website. I agree, it seems hypocritical in many regards that she is "quitting" social media and therefore will not get paid from that side of the business and yet she makes a website (who's following is most likely followers from her various social media platforms), and is asking for donations in order to get paid- what?? I think Essena could have made very valid arguments about the direction social media is moving and potentially took a great stand by simply explaining her story without throwing out generalizations and accusations but instead she posted a rather immature video with no valid evidence other than her own personal story. Her whole campaign fails to make believable arguments that would change peoples perception on social media and the fact she is asking for money now is totally inappropriate in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Julia!
I definitely think the website challenges Essena's argument. Although the message of her website is different from social media sites, it still has the same end goal, creating followers. I agree with Nicole, social media platforms such as Instagram is definitely a form of business. Essena made a valid argument, however the execution of her argument was very contradictory. Essena's contradiction could potentially cause people to second guess her message, possibly leading to an influx of skeptics who believe the entire thing was a publicity stunt.
ReplyDelete