What I found interesting about the keyword “network” is how it seems to define members of a given network only by their output. For example, on social media, the only perceivable aspects of someone’s personality, ideology, experiences, or interests are what is shared in this specific network. The keyword explains that “in the network, we can understand ourselves only in terms of relationships to others.” This perspective is inherently reductive because it is impossible to include every piece of one’s identity on social media. The keyword author agrees with me here, that this way of interacting within said network is limiting. It can become hard to see one’s self, and especially other individuals, outside of the version presented on this network, which is why I think social media is so harmful to mental health. Not only does it force us to reduce ourselves, but we also only see perfected versions of other people, which creates an entire culture of falsehood and incompleteness. The article below is about the negative mental health impact Instagram has on users.
https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/15/tech/instagram-teen-girls/index.html
When people think of networks (or at least when I think of them), we tend to think about the positive aspects they can offer. These positives include increased interconnectivity, an outlet for expression, and the ability to cooperate with likeminded people. However, as you mention, it’s also important to think about how these networks can be limiting. It is something I didn’t give much thought to in writing my post. Because those in your network only know you through what you offer the network, it can be hard to truly express other aspects of yourself. This leads to people creating false or exaggerated personas within networks. It’s interesting to think about how, in social media, this can lead to negative mental health effects.
I agree that networks force us to reduce ourselves and see perfected versions of other people. People usually like to post delicious food and beautiful scenery, which will give us a feeling that will give us the illusion that others have a better and easier life than we do. Because of this comparison, some people will become vain. Once they leave the online world, they will become empty and feel lonely. It is impossible to include every piece of one’s identity on social media. What we show online is just part of ourselves, so we don’t need to compare to others. It is important for us to reduce dependence on social networks.