Importance of emotional intelligence and self-reflection in social media research

Social media, although an imaginary realm in many ways, is deeply rooted in our real-world experiences. Consider a study where 20 participants are observed: 10 playing cricket live on a field, and 10 engaging in the same activity through a 3D virtual reality device from their beds. Interestingly, the MRI or fMRI results from both groups would likely show similar brain activity, as for the brain, both experiences are equally real.

Our brain processes all experiences—real or imagined—as if they are happening in the present moment. Whether we are living life authentically or imagining it behind a screen, we are still engaging with our surroundings in a meaningful way. In this sense, we are our imaginations, and we are also our real selves.

Research on social media presents its own set of challenges. People often base their judgments and assumptions on what has been said or done by others at a specific time. In this context, it’s easy for individuals to taunt, criticize, or even try to undermine others when they feel they are being judged. When they lack answers or solutions, they may attempt to dismiss the individual they perceive as a threat.

When conducting research based on social media, it's crucial to approach it with a level of emotional resilience. This includes acknowledging and understanding the darker sides of human personalities and the limits of those tendencies. One can only gain such insight by remaining calm, observing without reacting, and distancing oneself from the immediate emotional responses that might arise.

Studying people, understanding their behaviors, and then writing about them can be an enjoyable intellectual pursuit. However, it’s important to note that this journey involves navigating through feelings of shame, guilt, loneliness, and disappointment. The key to overcoming bias is to regularly monitor your own emotional responses and be mindful of how you are feeling when you judge others.

By continually learning, growing, and reflecting on our own behavior, we can better understand one another, fostering greater empathy and contributing to a culture of peace.

Thank you for reading. 🙏😊

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