Margo Ellis, Opinion Editor–
Something that’s been around for the majority of your lifetime doesn’t feel new, or revolutionary. An idea, an application, or an object becomes common among most of the population: those who existed before its creation are deemed obsolete, or insignificant.
The “new thing” is better, of course. Its creators are gods, but few win enough power to play god. “The Social Network” (2010) depicts just that: the beginning of Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg’s rise to worldwide fame for its creation. Even 15 years later, the film feels just as timely as ever.
Other, more prominent social media platforms have gained significant popularity, following the footsteps of Facebook and building an entire industry dedicated to content, followers, and likes.
As someone who grew up with Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat as integral parts of my social life, it’s hard to imagine a time when you couldn’t click on an icon and find out every minute detail about a stranger’s life.
It’s hard to understand the gravity of it, too. From a young age, the “addictive” qualities of social media have been preached to me, albeit in one ear and out the other. So what if I spend an hour every morning scrolling, even before I get out of bed?
Admittedly, I’ve realized more recently that this behavior is, in fact, the definition of addiction. When something begins to affect the time you spend with other people, or the time you spend (or don’t spend) on your responsibilities, it’s almost like a punch to the face. The hours logged on Instagram and days spent on Tiktok add up too quickly, and the reality of it becomes, well, real.
I’ve tried to quit cold-turkey. I’ve tried to delete the apps, delete my accounts, but I always find myself logging back in before they officially deactivate or re-downloading the apps. The idea of being entirely disconnected from the communities I’ve cultivated so carefully is terrifying.
“The Social Network” follows that idea of connection, and the danger that comes with it. Facebook’s success began a revolution on a societal level, but its creators fought for the right to call it theirs.
Zuckerberg’s friends and associates began a legal battle to claim their stake in Facebook’s founding following its popularity, as the idea that started Facebook soon became the very idea that Zuckerberg would be challenged on.
Of course, when money comes into play, everyone wants a piece. But can the creation of such a revolutionary idea be diminished to a monetary value? Can the downfalls of social media be excused, all because of the billions of dollars spent each year on the industry?
Sometimes, when I wake up in the morning and begin my daily scroll, a little voice in my head nags me, telling me to stop. I know how detrimental the behavior is in the long run, but can’t seem to give it up. I wonder what it would be like to have grown up in a world absent of this idea.
How would I spend my hour in bed, if not scrolling through algorithms created with the very idea of keeping me addicted?
Margo Ellis ‘28 is a politics and public affairs and journalism double major from Akron.