Here is an interesting downside to social media noted by Suzanne Moore in The Guardian today:
It seems to me that something quite disturbing is happening here that we are seeing more and more of, especially on social media and that is connection without empathy. There is now, on every level, unprecedented access to the lives of others but there is also something vicarious in this access. "I can feel your pain without going through it myself,” says the empathetic person. "I can feel your pain and speak for you,” says the psychopath.
Comments
New comment
I'm not sure what to make of the empathetic and psycopathic view of social media. I think facebook is just a place for "friends" to boast or comment and that it's no place for a conversation. I am curious at times, but I do not want to live their lives or for them to live mine for me.
New comment
HI Neil,
I should have mentioned that she was writing specifically in relation to the Rachel Dolezal case. So I think her point was that social media was enabling people to 'claim' identities and suffering to which they had no real right. It's an interesting point of view, but I think Facebook can actually attract a good deal of real empathy. I've been very touched by some of the messages I've seen comforting the recently bereaved, for example.
Social Media and Empathy (or lack thereof)
It struck me that social media allows an unknown person to achieve a type of fame. The quality of that fame depends on how many Facebook friends they have or whether their story goes viral. I think what Suzanne Moore is observing is just one the consequences of fame -- that strangers or near strangers will appropriate your life, and not always treat it kindly.
New comment
Hi Heather,
That's a good point. I read something else interesting on empathy today. Somebody is actually opening an empathy museum! http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/empathy-museum-to-understand-others-we-need-to-walk-in-their-shoes--literally-says-philosopher-roman-krznaric-10346326.html He makes the additional point that, although the internet encourages us to make social connections, it is not really increasing empathy, because we generally befriend or follow people who are similar to us.