Is it really true that everyone only thinks about themselves?

Is it true that everyone is only concerned with themselves?

In early November, I learned that a popular 19-year-old Australian model on Instagram announced she would never participate in social media again. In a digital world overflowing with "likes" and "follows," she had over 600,000 followers. She also earned significant income from her online activities. Precisely because of this, her declaration to leave seemed like a bold decision.

Some agreed with her view that social media addiction and the difficulty of maintaining a carefully crafted online persona were undermining her real-life happiness and sense of fulfillment. Others criticized her, arguing she was merely inflating her value through clever PR to pave the way for future ventures. Even her friends joined in the criticism.

Such events gaining news value is hardly unusual these days. In the early days of media, connecting people held meaning. Eventually, it evolved into a medium where mutual celebration and recognition became paramount. We know how social media shapes online personas. Not just the wealthy, famous, or self-made celebrities, but even ordinary people now feel daily pressure to live within the social space. Most live another life, quite different from reality. They strive earnestly to receive "likes" and recognition from others, finding joy in it.

The question remains: Can social media be quit? And what happens after quitting? In the 1950s American "Self-Esteem Study," only 12% of 16-year-old boys and girls valued themselves. That number has recently risen to 80%. The development of social media has likely contributed significantly to this change. When teenagers leave that space, do they lose part of their personality or identity?

After announcing her departure, the model who sparked this discussion launched the website "Be the Change." It helps visitors use the internet more consciously. She may indeed have lost a part of her identity. But she likely formed a new one and found a purpose to pursue in life.

By rethinking how we engage with social media—considering who our messages reach and what impact they have—I feel even bolder changes are coming. Not everyone is just "all about themselves."

(Supervised by: Global Business Center)

©John Atkinson, Wrong Hands・gocomics.com/wrong-hands・wronghands1.com