How Social Media Influences Our Ideas and Thought Process
Hey everyone, it’s me — PhiWhyyy — here to share some thoughts (yes, more thoughts) about social media. I know, I know — this is such a common topic, and you’ve probably heard a thousand takes on how social media impacts our opinions, beliefs, and even decisions. But have you ever wondered if maybe we’re overthinking this? Or maybe, just maybe, we’re not thinking enough about how dangerous it could be?
Here’s the thing: what we think we’re using for entertainment or convenience might actually be controlling us. A tool that’s meant to be in our hands sometimes feels like it’s controlling us. It’s not just in our hands anymore — it’s everywhere, constantly shaping the way we perceive, react, and even behave.
It’s like that old saying: “Your peers define the kind of person you become.” Well, in today’s world, it’s not just our peers — it’s social media. And while that influence used to be limited to the people around us, now it’s amplified by endless posts, reels, tweets, and trends. Think about it: if a single rotten mango in a basket can make the others rot, what happens when you’re surrounded by endless “rotten mangoes” (aka ideas and opinions) online?
The Influence of Like-Minded Groups
Here’s an observation: successful people often surround themselves with others who are also successful. Scientists collaborate with scientists. Artists hang out with artists. Investors talk to other investors. You start to see patterns, right?
It’s not that everyone in the group thinks exactly the same, but there’s a shared energy, a common vibe, that influences everyone involved. It’s the same with social media. Let’s say you join a group where everyone’s into investing. Even if you’ve never thought about mutual funds or stocks, being part of that circle might make you curious. You might start exploring, learning, and eventually investing — just because of the influence of the group.
This happened to me in a totally different way. I once came across a community called PyLadiesCon — a group of women passionate about Python and AI. A friend told me about it, and I was so excited to participate. My session didn’t get accepted, though, and for a while, I thought, “Maybe I’m just not good enough at coding.” But then I realized it wasn’t about my skills — it was about how much time and effort I had put into learning. That experience taught me so much.
The people you surround yourself with — whether online or offline — shape your interests and push you toward becoming a better version of yourself.
The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media
Social media is this weird, beautiful, and dangerous thing. Let me share a quick example. I kept hearing people rave about this one online shopping platform. They said, “It’s so cheap and the quality is amazing!” So naturally, I gave in to the hype. I bought a bunch of stuff. Some of it was good, but honestly, some of it wasn’t as great as everyone made it out to be.
That’s when it hit me: our impressions are often shaped by the opinions of others, even if their experiences don’t match ours. Social media magnifies this. It’s like how your parents’ political opinions influence your initial beliefs or how growing up in a house full of books makes you fall in love with reading (shoutout to my nerdy childhood).
Finding Your Own Voice
At the end of the day, here’s what I’ve learned: You’ve got to have a mind of your own. It’s okay to take recommendations from friends, peers, or even strangers on the internet — but don’t let those recommendations define you. Think critically. Question things. Form your own opinions.
Social media is powerful, but so are you. Remember, a rotten mango can make a good pickle, but never a good jam. Use the information wisely and decide what you want to make out of it.
That’s all for today. Let me know your thoughts — do you think social media has helped you or held you back? I’d love to hear your stories!
