It is a well-established fact that, for decades, the media has played a crucial role in shaping socio-political and cultural discourse around the world. Human desires have been constructed through media narratives, and today, that influential role has been significantly taken over—some might say hijacked—by social media. We increasingly find ourselves living to consume social media; we eat, drink, dress, think, and essentially live for it. Social media now dictates how we should lead fulfilling lives, ignite our creativity, understand childhood traumas, and even become billionaires, delivering countless feeds in an instant.
Amid the millions of posts we encounter daily, nurturing self-love and avoiding toxic influences emerges as a recurring theme. This likely reflects the algorithmic bubble I’ve curated for myself. But what does self-love truly mean? Many self-love quotes emphasize protecting your inner peace from the outside world and affirming your self-worth. Often, these messages depict the external world as a monstrous entity, poised to devour and harm us. In this context, self-love seems to imply shielding oneself from negativity that comes from others.
However, when we examine self-love dialectically, we recognize that this perspective aligns closely with the tendencies perpetuated by social media, which can exacerbate narcissistic elements in human behavior. Narcissism is characterized by an excessive preoccupation with oneself, frequently accompanied by a lack of empathy for others. This focus on self can lead to a diminishment of genuine human connection while ignoring the potential negativity that our interactions with others can bring.
But can we truly eradicate all negativity and embrace only positivity? This raises profound questions. Is it possible for anyone to exist solely in a positive state, completely disregarding their own flaws and the complexities of others?
The answer lies in acceptance. Embracing both our positive and toxic selves is not only viable but essential to truly understanding what it means to be human. Acknowledging our shadows—our flaws, fears, and imperfections—alongside our light—our strengths, hopes, and successes—allows for a more holistic and authentic existence. By accepting both aspects of ourselves, we move towards a deeper understanding of our humanity and, ultimately, a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Anuradha Kodagoda
