Cut lives

There is no room for pain, suffering or farewell. There are many "good" people censoring the "evil" people...

The universe of social networks seems to be covered by happy people, with busy, important, healthy and fun lives. A real paradise on Earth.

Far from frugal practices, it is the environment that exudes abundance, wisdom, high competitiveness and perfection. It is not interesting to follow the reverse.

People do the absurd to be in front; they spare no effort, exhaust themselves in titles, waste time talking about themselves and face the other as an enemy.

The “herd effect” reaches everyone, with motivational phrases that lead to the understanding that a problem can be solved only with positive thinking and photo and video updates to show how superior they are.

It makes us believe that our self-image improves when we post a picture of a food, a new outfit, a charity, a fashion book or a mega-important event.

This new lifestyle (snipped lives) selects the best moments, makes people believe that the world only consists of good things.

In the work "Liquid Love" it is written:

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"Self-love is built from the love given to us by others". (BAUMAN, 2003).

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This quest for reward and recognition is driving people over the edge.

It is the denial of the physical world in favor of the virtual world, because in this tangible world it is more difficult to edit our imperfections, our failures. There is no way to review.

The profiles are more ornate than Hollywood star magazines. There are no more prejudices; it's corny to manifest, or, nice if it's within the niche.

This feeling of being able to easily create new friends generates substitution and "filtering" power in people, increasing ratings and at the same time turnover in relationships.

There is no challenge to fight for the friendship, for the new relationship, for the new affection, fighting in the period of negative feelings, discussing the problems... It is easier to discard. There is no effort – how good that would be – but as we filter, we are filtered.

As if it were a dictatorship, we must follow in a way (as hypocritical as possible) to remain in the group. Those who question the space in which they are inserted are invited to withdraw.

In the old days, friendship was made with the neighbor and – in many cases – it lasted for a lifetime. Today, in the first challenge of friendship, a block, or goodbye, is much more common.

It's an endless quest. We have the impression that "better" people will appear, from the physical to the spiritual side. There are many "good" people censoring the "evil" people.

It is evident that there is no room for pain, suffering, tears, wake or farewell. There reigns the world of well-being and absolute pleasure. Anyone who thinks the opposite is oppressed and probably gets less likes.

Nietzsche defended the contemplation of pain as a gateway to joy. In "Twilight of the Idols", he shot:

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"What doesn't kill me makes me stronger". (NIETZSCHE, 1888).

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That is, what causes me suffering, other than death, serves as a fortifier of the soul.

The flow of information mechanizes, leads to repetitive and unreflective behaviors. Whirlwinds of stimuli make it difficult for the brain to produce essential connections for mental health.

Over the years, people will feel more pressure to have a life that most people don't have, which is mere image. No wonder that in the global ranking of happiness, Brazil is in decline. Paradoxically, the visibility of the expression of happiness continues to increase on the networks.

Exposing happiness does not mean being happy, nor will it fill an empty life, because when we hide our pain, we can enhance it and – consequently – be more unhappy and unproductive.

It is more interesting to recognize and accept the problem. Ignoring it doesn't mean dispelling it, as it can come in other forms and even worse. Identifying is the step to start treating it and see that this is part of human life.

In this way, may we find happiness through unhappiness, suffering, pain, the difficulties that life presents to us; realize that positive and negative feelings are part of our essence.

With this, let us seek human improvement, paying attention to values; not restrict by showing, but by becoming. Not just to compete, but to add to humanity, with character and common sense.

Aristotle said it well:

"Happiness only results in the cultivation of virtue." (300 BCE).

Jorge Gomes.

Pedagogue.