DAVE ROSS

Ross: Social media shows who we were, not just who we are

Feb 16, 2021, 7:45 AM | Updated: 9:29 am

social media...

In this photo illustration, social media apps are seen on a mobile phone. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

(Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

As I went through my evening ritual of browsing social media to see what people are thinking, I realized that post after post on Twitter was people complaining about … something on Twitter.

Social media is full of complaints about social media.

And I can see why. Human beings are not yet evolved enough to deal with a world where everyone has access to everyone else’s deepest and most cringe-worthy thoughts. Especially when “cringe-worthy” has as many definitions as there are people.

This is why we have not evolved to read minds. Nature understood there is no survival advantage to it.

Just the opposite … the more you post, the more vulnerable you become. The more likely to be canceled or jobless because of a retweet. Or to be canceled for canceling someone.

The guy with the horns at the Capitol – he was lured there by social media, and is now being consumed by it along with hundreds of others. The snake eats its tail.

Facebook was founded 17 years ago this month, Twitter 15 years ago – and in a few years, a generation of Americans will have their entire lives documented and searchable.

They will not just be who they ARE, but who they WERE!

The man with the horns is the man with the horns forever.

So, this might be a good time to check your privacy settings. Also, next time you travel out of town – do what I do: Leave the horns at home.

Listen to Seattle’s Morning News weekday mornings from 5 – 9 a.m. on KIRO Radio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

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