Do you feel the influence?

As social media has evolved, it has become a powerful tool for influencing public opinion. But is social media influence the only thing we are experiencing?

Definitely not!

I believe that having access to diverse opinions and perspectives is important, and I also strongly support freedom of speech.

However, I wonder about the extent to which these opinions and perspectives can impact our decision-making process. How much influence do we really experience?

Informational coding

It is widely known that social media platforms operate on algorithms that are designed to show us content that we are interested in. These algorithms take into account factors such as likes, comments, and the amount of time spent viewing a post, be it a video, a picture or text.

Eventually, the so-called feed will provide posts based on our interests and information the algorithm identifies that we would like to see and know.

It would seem a good thing, right?

Consider this from your perspective - the feed you see is coded and customized for you. However, this customized feed can limit your access to a narrow aspect of information. You only see what the platform thinks you want to see, which can result in an information bubble. This can happen on any social media platform, creating an information isolation.

?

It might be a good idea to reset the feed sometimes. This will allow you to experience a new and refreshed level of information that not only broadens your information view but also exposes you to new experiences and perspectives.

The influencer

When people follow the same influencers, breaching the same information in different ways, it's human nature to fixate on this.

But what if what the influencer is breaching is a very narrow vies, instead of widening your perspectives, makes them more narrow?

What if the information is not factual and causes more harm than good?

I'm not planning to name any particular influences, as it's not my place to point fingers. But I'm more than sure that as you have been reading this paragraph, someone has popped into your mind.

The trouble with influencers is that some of them spread information just to cause confusion and drama, and some even spread pure lies. It gets them views and makes them money.

These captivating personalities have a stronghold and create massive impacts on people's lives. They influence points of view's, shopping habits, politics, and religion. Influencers are actively reshaping people and their interactions with the world.

However, no one really talks about the consequences of misinformation, especially towards the youth. Impressionable personality views often fixate, spreading this information further and accepting this as reality.

It is troubling in the sense of the longstanding effects that can have on society.

Closer to home

Have you considered how much influence we actually experience throughout our lives?

The impact of our first teachers, whether negative or positive, can be incredibly powerful in shaping our attitudes towards a subject. For instance, a student may develop a strong dislike for Chemistry if they had a not-so-good Chemistry teacher in middle school. This association between teacher and subject can be long-lasting and difficult to overcome.

Throughout our lives, we have had the influence of family and parents.

People often follow in their parents' footsteps and live their lives by the value scale and experience that their families and parents have given them, what they have seen and been taught as they grow up. Even though sometimes it might not be the best way, it's something people are used to.

Influence of Workplace

The truth is that work and workplace culture will always leave an impact on you, no matter at what stage of your career you are, how old you are or what type of job you are doing.

The first job often leaves the biggest influence on our careers.

If you start your career with a supportive and encouraging manager who provides you with the necessary guidance, feedback, and resources, you are more likely to feel confident and inspired to pursue your goals.

On the other hand, if your manager is disinterested, unsupportive, or critical, you may struggle to find your footing and feel demotivated to perform at your best.

We need to understand the influence that people at work can have on us, as this is crucial to making informed decisions and maintaining our independence.

To do that, it's important to delve deep and comprehend the motivations behind these influences, as it allows us to navigate the situation more effectively and avoid being swayed by others.

The Mindset

It can be challenging to identify the sources of influence in our lives.

Sometimes, we may not even realise the impact someone has had on us until much later. Understanding the nature of influence and how it can shape our personalities and beliefs is essential.

Once you realise what influences you, it's time to understand the impact it has on you and rather this impact is something you want to live with. If it is not - it's time to make changes and reframe your mindset

Designing the Life You Want- TEDx Talks