FACES AND FACTS AND MANY FACETS
It’s easier to swipe, sigh and roll yer eyes, than to stop and take the time to feel. We’ve all seen a lot of death recently, and social media has fast become the place to find both victims and perpetrators gliding digitally beside each other, their bubbles colliding daily.
The web’s a space for all, be it neo-nazis or war-torn teens — they can post, comment, and access all kinds of media. The uploaded images and videos can be calls for compassion, or calls to arms. This same content can appear laughably detached or emotionally earth-shattering, depending on the eyes of the beholder.
I grew up with social media as an eager playmate. As with the over-consumption of anything at a young age, it’s impossible to be sure what effect it will have on your mind until later years. School-boy messaging groups can be vile places. Before the age of 15 I’d seen my fair share of animal abuse, graphic sex and unimaginable violence. I felt profoundly desensitised. No media scared or scarred me, and the experiences of mortality that I’ve faced in the real world are yet to phase me. I wanted to know if other people felt the same way, and if there was any way I could reverse, or counteract the feeling. If I could somehow resensitise myself. I’m sure I have.
- Lucas
2024. LONDON, UK