My first encounter with social media was during my sophomore year at the University of Tokyo with a Japanese platform called Mixi. It was a simple tool to connect with acquaintances from Tokyo University. We shared daily photos and, later on, job frustrations.
Soon after, while studying at Nanjing University in China, an American roommate introduced me to Facebook. Like Mixi, Facebook served as a bridge to my Tokyo and Nanjing networks. These platforms were more than just digital spaces; they were extensions of my social life.
Then came Twitter, a platform with an unprecedented scale of network expansion and influence. Initially, I connected with friends under my real name, but I later created an anonymous account to engage with activists and advocates for anti-discrimination movements.
The breadth of Twitter’s network reminded me of an episode from the Japanese manga “Doraemon,” where a door suddenly links the protagonist’s room with a distant star. The characters embark on grand adventures and forge friendships with aliens, only to have the door to the cosmos abruptly close, mirroring the transient yet intense connections made through Twitter.
One instance on Twitter particularly stands out. A young user was explaining the allure of Twitter to an elderly person unfamiliar with it. The senior, having once enjoyed amateur radio, instantly grasped the thrill of connecting with unknown individuals across the globe. This story highlights the excitement of discovering unknown worlds and the ephemeral nature of such encounters.
Perhaps, social networking sites (SNS), especially Twitter, are more than tools; they amplify the joys and loneliness of human relationships. As I find myself drifting away from these platforms, I can’t help but wonder how my engagement with the internet will evolve. Will I find a new digital door to unknown adventures, or will I seek a more tangible connection in the physical world?
Social media has undeniably reshaped our social interactions, serving as both a gateway to global connections and a mirror reflecting our collective consciousness. As we navigate this ever-evolving digital landscape, we continue to seek meaningful connections, whether through a screen or face-to-face.
Atsushi's Life in Korea 