The Exploitation of Social Media

Richard Branson. Location: San Francisco. Following: 1,986. Being followed by 2,153. This week, I received a notification that Mr. Branson is following me on Twitter, but we have never had any previous contact before. So why does he want to connect with me by Twitter, of all ways to get in “touch”? Does he even care or is this how he makes himself richer? What’s more, is he even the one behind his Twitter relations, or does his staff keep his online activity current on his behalf? Social Media has changed how we communicate, and with the replacement of real life relationships with digital links, our society’s health has been critically impacted as well.

According to Twitter, the social media site is a “rich source of instantly updated intormation,” but in my opinion, social media has grown to become exploitative. Take Richard Branson’s request to follow me on Twitter. I would love a handsome rich celebrity to want to know me. But I would have preferred for him to contact me directly versus extend a follow request as a result of a search on Twitter. Richard doesn’t know me from Adam (or Eve). This is more of an insult than anything. I personally look to follow people who interact personally even if some of their stuff is automatic. I want a call, not a tweet! I want friends and followers who understand and agree with my mission for wellness, and who similarly support health. That is a real online “relationship”.

Yes I realize the business uses of social media to build an online presence, visibility, and search-ability, but I am determined to get rid of the crabs of social media in my circle of online connections. The bottom line is that I refuse to be bombarded by ads for weight loss products or SEO promises on my Twitter feed. Followers that appear out of the blue with no purpose are akin to junk mail – and I’ll reject them like I do spam.

The true gravity of the health consequences of social media is the risk for illness and declined healing. Many studies show that people who have a strong community or social circles have decreased illnesses of their body and mind. In fact, they heal faster from sickness and surgery. In the busyness and networked web of today’s technological times, I want to surround myself with people who care about me and about supporting my cause to enhance the health and wellness of others. I choose to keep my social media networks exploitation-free and I encourage you to do the same in your own social media circle.