Is social media pointless for me?

Question

I thought I could use the internet to practice being less shy. I thought I could because a confident person. I thought I could make friends…

But it feels like I can’t say anything on this God forsaken platform without being insulted! No matter how nice I am! No matter how open minded I am! Every site! Every app! I feel like if the internet is taking me anywhere in life, it’s down!

And before any smart alecks talk about going out and talking to people offline, I don’t have the luxury of trying right now! Plus I feel like if I did I’d have the same results…

I’m sorry. I’m not usually like this. But I’m about to explode from all the stress… 😥

ShadezMcgee · Accepted Answer

Hey man, take it easy. Maybe you should just take a break from the internet and GAG as a whole? Social media has proven to affect not just one's mental health, but social capabilities.

Tied in with that, this place is full of toxic people that use this as an escape from the world to not just spread their misery, but at the same time they love that anonymity gives them protection in the form of cyberspace and a screen. It is easier to be a dick to people because you don't have to worry about getting throat punched for saying the messed up things online like you would in person.

Online does not represent the majority of people in the world, just a portion of it. One thing you could do to limit your stress on the site here is block those that mess with you and limit any of your questions to non anons to help you narrow the toxicity down to those that give you the most shit.

jshm2 · Accepted Answer

Nope - it will just trigger you even more.

Like being in school all over again - the weak kids get picked on the most by the others. In the internet, it's adults picking on weak minded adults.

All that aside maybe get into gaming? The gaming communities are pretty diverse and good chat. No, not all of them are snotty 15 year olds talking about dicks and moms. Not only that, but gaming itself can be a good stress buster when you don't want to chat, but just want to shoot things up.

Seems more like you need a new focus, rather than just someone to talk to.

hIopinionated_ · Accepted Answer

I feel I’m too much of a genuine person for social media so I definitely understand your point here. It also appears not being fake enough and actually caring about people is a bad thing. Or maybe I care too quickly and that’s the bad thing? Sue me. Sorry I can’t pretend and turn my personality off

I begin using social media for your exact reason (I’m also too freaking shy, introverted, and to myself) but turns out I can’t NOT be myself so I’m stuck

I say it isn’t pointless (for you) just don’t be like me and you’ll be fine

Goodluck

watercolor_lions · Accepted Answer

You seem like a sensitive person, but you might just need to accept that the internet is not a friendly place.

You'd probably do better off chatting one-on-one with a person through pm, rather than the open domain where assholes roam. Instead of posting, why don't you search through posts and find nice people, and then message them, "Hey you're really nice and I'm looking for some friends. How are you?" You might get better results that way.

You can message me anytime. I've been told I'm sweet ☺️

melanieeeB · Answer

People on the internet are genuinely meaner and more disrespectful, especially on sides where they can be anon or make up a "personality" and act up without repercussions... don't listen to that negativity

jennifer_bloom · Answer

I find, most people are limited and do not consider the full spectrum of human value when they interact with people, they make rapid face value judgments and presumptive assessments because they don’t have the faculty to look beyond basic commonalities typical for normal people, they are not attacking you because you are bad, they are attacking you because you aren’t expected and they do not know how to understand or mentally box you into their mind. People don’t hate animals that kill humans because the animal does not know any better, you should think of your enemies as ignorant animals.

Chazmatazz269 · Answer

People’s real life personas are still fairly different from their internet personas. I have a lot of potentially objectionable conversations and even debates with people in real life and it almost never gets heated. And i drink! If a drunk can’t start a fight by discussing transgender athletes in women’s sports, but any mention of it online triggers “nazi” and “libtard” name calling almost immediately, then the internet is clearly more a disease than is alcoholism. Get out and meet people. You’ll feel better. If you can’t get out, just stop using “social” media. Go to utoob and watch videos of people rescuing animals and helping other people. And don’t read the GD comments!

Paris13 · Answer

I Never Noticed the Bullying Online Here, dear. But you know Behind the Compuert Curtain how People Are. Ignore them. To Me, You are very Sweet and Gentle very Smart. xxoo

Tanhoaon · Answer

For me personally, If I need to find something variously and quickly (various products, comments and resources), I would consider it as benefits of internet. I still like more hard stuffs, more physical, more real talk than everything showing on the screen.

purplepoppy · Answer

People are nasty online because it's the only power they have in their sad pathetic lives. I guarantee the worst offenders have zero influence in the real world and use the Internet as a crutch.

misfittoy · Answer

it is not pointless. plenty get bullied and insulted online. online is especially worse it gives people an invincibility to take their insecurities and hateful manner out on another, but know you are not alone by any means. hang in there

Sandeeppingping · Answer

Worst thing you can do to your social life is spend time on social media, it literally kills it off, I was actually thinking of taking a break from gag as well, you know what, actually I'm gonna do that this very second, see you in 5 months

Pot8o · Answer

I think it's pretty well-established that most social media is bad for people's mental health.

So you're not some outlier in that regard.

I know it's bad for mine, for sure. But it's so damn addictive.

Anonymous · Answer

I feel you. We shouldn't have high expectations from others both online and in real life because we can't control their actions try to not get attached as much as you can bc people disappear (especially online) and no relationship is eternal. try to change the way you look at the situation and have fun as much as you can. Don't expect too much.

Msputiton · Answer

That's tough.  I don't know what to tell you. Social media gives people the courage to be the worst version of theirselves, and if it is hurting you, i wouldn't stay on it.

monorprise · Answer

Get rid of it, its not real, your really gaining nothing from it. You will be better off without it.

Alex8736 · Answer

hence the reason I deleted social media prior to the pandemic and if someone has an issue with me i'll call them out when i see them in person which scares the hell out of them because they are not hiding behind a computer screen trolling others

lightbulb27 · Answer

Sounds like it’s a good eduction but you haven’t graduated yet

TroyDT · Answer

No, it is not pointless. The truth is whether online of in person, some people suck. By learning to deal with in online you can learn to better deal with it in person.

Jamie05rhs · Answer

Hey, bro. I'm your friend. (For what it's worth.). You can talk to me whenever you need to. I mean that.

Jamesshinobi · Answer

people are terrible. even worse online. nothing wrong with being shy. its a defense mechanisim your brain developed to keep you safe.

ZenJen444 · Answer

You need to get out and interact with ACTUAL people. Hiding behind the internet will not help you

joeldalton · Answer

Who the fuck would think that the internet is a way to be less shy. Go outside, talk to real people.

Anonymous · Answer

GirlsAskGuys is one of the worst platforms I've been involved in, next to Discord servers full of attention seeking teen girls.

Is social media pointless for me?

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