Social Media: Does Social Media Encourage People To Objectify Animals?

One of the things that people generally do when they have a social media account (or a number of them), is to share pictures of themselves. This can be something that takes place when one wants to update their profile picture, or it could take place more often.

If one only takes pictures of themselves when they update their profile picture, it could mean that they usually upload pictures when they are with others. It could also be a sign that one doesn’t use social media very often.

A Common Occurrence

On the other hand, if one was to unload a lot of pictures of themselves, it could mean that they don’t upload a lot of pictures where they are with others. Along with this, it could also be a sign that they spend a lot of time on social media.

At the same time, this might not be the case, and one could also upload a lot of pictures where they are with others. And just because one uploads a lot pictures, it doesn’t necessarily mean they spend a lot of time on social media.

Black and White

Similarly, even though one doesn’t upload a lot of pictures of themselves, it doesn’t mean that they will have a lot of pictures where they are with others. And while this may also mean that they don’t use social media very often, this might not be the case.

What this shows is that this is not something that is black and white, and that there are a number ways in which one can use social media. However, what can’t be denied is the fact that people have started taking more pictures of themselves since social media was created.

In The Past

If one took pictures in the past, there was a strong chance that it would have been of something they liked, or it might have been of other people, for instance. But if they did take a picture of themselves, it may have been due to the fact that they needed to renew their passport or drivers licence.

Nowadays, this has all changed, and one can take a picture of themselves simply because they feel like it. And while this could just have their face in it; it could also be a way for them to show others where they are.

The Next Step

Once they have taken a picture, they can see how they look, and if they don’t look right, they can take another. Yet if they find that something isn’t right no matter how many they take, they can simply edit the image.

This then allows one to create the ‘perfect’ image, and once this is done, they can share the image online. And as to how long one spends doing this can depend on a number of different factors.

Factors

For example, if one is relatively young and their image means a lot to them, they could end up putting a lot of time and effort into creating the right picture. But if one is slightly older or they are not too caught up in how they look, they might not even bother editing a picture; or if they do, it might only relate to a few minor alterations.
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When they upload the image to a social media site, it could be seen by hundreds or even thousands of people. This picture could end up being their new profile picture or it could just be another image for them to share with others.

Intention

The reason they have shared an image could be because they want to show off their new appearance, or it could be because they want to let their ‘friends’ know where they are, for instance. This could also be a time where they want to change how they feel about themselves.

As a result of this, they will be looking to receive as many ‘likes’ and comments as they can get. And through receiving this feedback, it will end up having a positive effect on their well-being.

Time to Time

One could be in a position where this is something they do from time to time, or it could be something that takes place on a regular basis. When it takes place on a regular basis, it could be a sign that one is going through a challenging time in their life, or it may mean that they find it hard to experience emotional stability.

If one shares an image to express themselves, it might not matter what feedback they receive. However, if one shares an image in order to change how they feel, they are likely to have a greater level of attachment.

Standing Out

And although one can use pictures of their face in order to receive attention, they can also find other ways. This will give them an even greater chance of standing out, and it can then be a lot easier for them to receive the ‘likes’ and comments they need.  

Animals

On one hand, they could take a picture of themselves where they are holding a pet, and on the other hand, they could go one step further and hold a wild animal. When it relates to the former, it could be said that one won’t be violating the animal, but when it relates to the latter, this is not going to be the case.

As a result of this, one will be treating the animal like it is nothing more than an object, and this could severely harm the animal. In some cases, it could result in the animal’s life coming to an end.

Empathy

What this shows is how important empathy is, as if one is able to put themselves in the animals shoes, so to speak, they are less likely to harm them. If, on the other hand, one is unable to empathise, it will be a lot easier for them to harm an animal.

Conclusion

Now, clearly social media is not to blame here, as the majority of people that use it won’t harm an animal in order to receive more ‘likes’ and comments. If one does use animals to receive more attention, it will be important for them to take a step back and to think about the effect this is having.

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Oliver JR Cooper
http://www.oliverjrcooper.co.uk/