Angry Boomers Have Transformed My Facebook Experience
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Understanding Facebook Brain
Social media has a way of entrenching users in divisive topics, which can lead to difficulty in disengaging from these discussions. This phenomenon, often referred to as "Facebook Brain," is evident among my older friends and family who frequently engage with the platform. They seem unable to go even a few minutes without discussing contentious issues like inflation, tax policies, and gender rights.
My once joyful feed has become cluttered with the negative contributions of some baby boomers, overshadowing the lighter interactions that used to characterize my Facebook experience.
The Shift in Tone
Historically, Facebook served as a cozy gathering place for friends to connect and share amusing updates. However, as the platform expanded, it became a magnet for news outlets and political groups, altering its atmosphere significantly. What was once a friendly space has now felt like a weight around my ankles, as the tone has hardened over time.
Even seemingly innocent posts can carry a poor taste. For instance, a recent post shared by an irritable boomer featured a joke about the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal, which was cringe-worthy even at the time. Such jokes trivialize serious issues, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and contributing to a culture that often discredits victims of assault.
Challenging the Algorithm
You might suggest simply unfollowing these individuals or pages, but it’s not that straightforward. The algorithm has shifted, favoring widely popular content over personalized recommendations. For example, posts about Brittney Griner, who is currently facing severe legal challenges in Russia, flood my feed regardless of my preferences.
While breaking laws abroad is unwise, Griner's situation has made her a political pawn, and the comments on related posts often reveal troubling attitudes. A pattern emerges, as many of the derogatory remarks come from individuals who fit a certain stereotype, reinforcing negative perceptions.
The Broader Context
Facebook seems to have morphed into a platform rife with conservative outrage, comparable to Twitter. While I have no issue with conservative views per se—many of my family members hold such beliefs—the platform's content often feels manipulative. Marketers exploit this by creating pages that share emotionally charged, viral content, ultimately driving traffic to their sites.
Furthermore, older users are statistically more likely to share misinformation, often out of boredom or a desire for engagement. This dynamic further complicates my social media experience, as I navigate the conflicting political ideologies of my family members.
The Struggle for Young Voices
According to a NY Times investigation, even users who have been radicalized on Facebook express dissatisfaction with the platform's extreme nature. Facebook's current demographic trends suggest that older users are driving away younger audiences, who find patronizing content and combative comment sections unappealing.
In my attempts to share uplifting content—like a video of a humpback whale breaching the water—I find myself caught in heated debates over unrelated issues, such as the ethics of marine parks.
A Personal Reflection
My sentiments toward baby boomers are not entirely negative; many older individuals have adeptly navigated technology and have made positive contributions. However, this experience has prompted me to reevaluate the role of social media in my life. If a platform fails to foster meaningful connections, I am willing to let it go.
Ultimately, I've simplified my approach to social media interactions: welcome kind individuals and distance myself from negativity, purging my feeds one inappropriate post at a time.