Social Media

I think the mediated artifact that I could most relate to was Johns. I had never thought about pictures that way before but it is so true. We all (well most of us in this day and age) have a social media profile or two...or five and almost no where do you see another person you are friends with, or follow as the person they really are. Their pictures specifically aim to manipulate their viewers. No one posts a picture of the day they can't get their hair to look good or the day that their boyfriend breaks up with them. People post pictures of their good days; a smiling picture at the beach or the expensive meal that you didn't even order. Everyone chooses the way that they portray themselves to the world with this "snapshot" of their lives that is everything but candid and truthful. We all recognize that this is not the whole truth about the people in their profiles but that is almost encouraged. People who post negative Facebook statuses about not getting a job are self wallowing, people who post a sad photo are looking for attention. But where do these connotations come from? I personally know I feel this way anytime someone posts something negative or negatively thought provoking. We encourage people to only share the good aspects of their lives because the negative things are "too personal". Should we accept that social media is not a reflection of someones full character or be more understanding to those who share their lives more candidly on social media? Maybe there is no real way to create a profile that your friends will accept without some level of manipulation.