On Social Media & Content Creation [Part 2]

You can read Part 1 HERE.

I have some more thoughts on social media.

Oversharing

How do you decide what to post, and what not to post? Honestly, I struggle with this because I sometimes think, Is there even a point to this, or am I just posting because everyone else is?

I am an anime blogger and cosplayer. Obviously, I will post content related to anime and my hobbies. That’s why I rarely talk about my family, friends, or work on my social media. It’s not that I’m not passionate about those topics; assuming that would be immature thinking. That’s just not what I’m here for.

I’ve got an interesting story. One of my friends rarely posts pictures with her boyfriend. Posting, or the lack of, really doesn’t mean much in terms of the quality of relationship. A few of her friends and peers assumed that she was single because of this. I find it quite funny, but also kind of sad.

Activism on Social Media

I’m the type of person that does my research on issues and discuss with family and close friends privately. I sign petitions and donate once in a while. I’ve seen people on social media say that if you don’t post about a social issue or show receipts that you’ve donated or signed petitions, you’re basically a bad person.

This may be an unpopular opinion, but I don’t agree. I feel that there are bigger things to worry about than calling out people who may already be supporting. What, exactly, does showing proof do, besides maybe boost one’s social standing artificially? Everyone has their own way of supporting.

I also don’t think that you have to insert yourself in a conversation all the time. You don’t have to have a take on everything, especially if you’re uninformed or aren’t passionate about a topic. It also kind of distracts from the main issue. A lot of it seems performative, anyway.

Thoughts?

Let me know what you think in the comments! As always, thanks for reading.

On Social Media & Content Creation

I’ve been thinking about social media for a while; here are my thoughts.

Social media is what you make of it.

Social media is a tool for you to use. Some people use it to boost their social standing, while others use it as a space to post their artworks or cosplays. Some people are collectors, and others enjoy eating food and/or making food. Some people use it to stay in touch with their friends; others use it to keep records. There’s no right or wrong way to use social media.

On Validation: Social Media versus Blogging

I’ve heard a lot of people say that you don’t need validation from posting, or from followers and engagement. Okay, then why do I see so many people asking for more followers and views on their blog posts? Many bloggers have written about their blogging goals for 2021 and most of them include achieving a certain number of followers and views. Is there a difference between needing validation from social media versus blogging?

I don’t think so. Many Instagrammers pour a lot of time and effort into their posts, just like bloggers. Both Instagrammers and bloggers create content. Is it “seeking validation/attention” or is it “having goals”?

On Taking Breaks versus Productivity

I’ve seen many content creators (cosplayers, bloggers, writers, artists, podcasters, YouTubers, and VTubers) apologize for not putting out content on time or for taking a break. It seems like taking breaks is a bad thing. Does anyone else find this weird?

I know that for certain platforms, the algorithm works in the favour of those who constantly post. I also sympathize with those who want to stay “relevant” and avoid losing followers.

How I Use Social Media

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In my The Kore Wa Watashi Blog Award post, I self-proclaimed as a kuudere and used Houtarou Oreki’s photo to describe myself. While watching Hyouka, I resonated with what Houtarou said (shown above). It made me think, Why do I post on Instagram? I’m not enjoying it as much as I used to, and I don’t need validation from likes.

People use social media differently. Like I said, I view social media as a tool. You can find me most active on my Twitter, and I seldom use Instagram now. I still get some enjoyment out of Instagram – at the moment, anyway. If there comes a day when there is nothing to gain from social media, I will cease to use it.

Final Thoughts

Some people live their lives on social media, and I won’t be the judge of that. I hate it when people tell others to go outside/do whatever they do, as if they are superior. I will say this: social media shouldn’t be an exhausting thing. If you find that you are drained from it, consider taking a break. Perhaps you are putting unnecessary stress on yourself by placing too much importance on it.

Food for thought [Legend of a Strongest Man Nakane]

Nobuyuki Fukumoto, creator of Kaiji and other series, has a spin-off manga about a man who craves for Instagram likes. It’s called Legend of a Strongest Man Nakane, a spin-off of Saikyou Densetsu Kurosawa. At first, I found it hard to believe that there is a series about this topic. Instagram?? What??

Nakane’s colleague explains that he buys cakes and other cute-looking sweets just for Instagram. After the post is up, he trashes the dessert because he doesn’t like sweet foods.

This page made me think. I think this is a really good point. With so many people in the world, I understand the desire to stand out from the rest.

The counter argument. Seeking approval. Craving the spotlight. “Celebrity” wannabes. Running around like idiots. WILL YOUR WORTHLESS SELF GET SOME PEACE OF MIND?

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I don’t think that posting on Instagram is that serious. Nakane and his colleague go to great lengths for likes and there are surely many users who do the same. I would believe that most users are not like this.

I frequently post on Instagram. I don’t think my intention is to “stand out” because I don’t think this is realistic for me. Maybe this is pessimistic thinking on my part, but there are so many users.

I don’t think I am looking for approval on Instagram and I don’t think I am a celebrity wannabe. Am I running around like an idiot? Maybe to some people. Will I get some peace of mind from getting likes? I wonder…

I hate this. It’s fun to take pictures and post. It’s nice to have a backlog of the good times and shared memories. Sometimes you feel more connected to others by using Instagram. At the same time, I hate it. Society feels superficial. & you know what? I will not stop using Instagram…

New Instagram

I wrote my last final today so now I am on break. =) I still have to do some work but at least classes are over for now. That being said, expect blog posts on digital drawings and anime cosplays. ^^ I am almost always very productive whenever I have a break.

I made an Instagram account for my cosplays! It’s @misswavescosplay | instagram.com/misswavescosplay

This account will have some photos I’ve never posted anywhere else, and I will occasionally post anime related merchandise. Thanks. ^^