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SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE PERFORMATIVE LIFESTYLE
By Dr jalarth Uche Opara
The buzzing of social media platforms grows louder by the day. Everyone wants to share in the glamour of being seen, seeking validation from people who often know nothing about them.
Before the laughter settles, the phone is already raised. Before the memory breathes, it is already posted. Yet life was never designed to be lived on a stage of performative living.
Some moments are sacred. They lose their purity the moment they are displayed for applause and public validation.
The sunset does not ask for a camera to be beautiful; it is beautiful regardless. Prayer does not need witnesses to reach heaven. The joy of the heart does not become real because strangers liked it.
If every happiness must first pass through the court of public opinion, then the soul has slowly traded experience for exhibition.Strong people understand something deeper: not every moment is meant to be shared. Some moments are meant to be lived, guarded, and remembered in silence.
Because when a person cannot enjoy a moment without announcing it to the world, the problem is not the moment—it is the emptiness within, the fear of rejection, and the anxiety of disappearing from prominence and visibility.
Learn to keep certain things close to your chest. Not every single event in your life should be worn on your sleeve, and not every milestone deserves public attention. There is a difference between privacy and secrecy. One should not live a life of secrets, but wisdom teaches that some things should remain private, away from the glare of the public.
Many today have become social media enthusiasts—so immersed that the habit has become like air to them. Nothing around them escapes the need for validation. Their movements, their flights, their new clothes, their cars, their homes—everything is displayed for the approval of an online audience.
They practically live their lives on the stage of social media. Nothing is private. Every detail is shared in real time. One could almost predict their itinerary with precision.Even their quarrels, disappointments, worries, pains, and frustrations are posted for opinions, advice, or sympathy.But such a life is hardly worthy of living.
A performative life on social media is a life that gradually loses authenticity. It becomes unstable, lacking confidence and self-trust.
True life is not lived for applause. Some of the most meaningful moments in life are the ones that remain unseen, unposted, and quietly treasured in the heart.
If only you could be performative with the word of God, posting it on daily basis, sharing stories of your encounter with Jesus, his miracles, his provision, protection etc things that would make people hold their chin up, you would have been saving souls and drawing them to God.
Think about It!
To our Muslim brothers and sisters happy Eid al-Fitr
Jarlathuche@gmail.com