Social media is one of the most interesting phenomena of today. It seems that for many of us, a moment not captured and shared ends up lost forever. While this isn't such an issue when it comes to most aspects of our daily lives, though, it's starting to have a strange, unforeseen consequence.
Because occasionally, people visit places of such social and historical significance that putting themselves into the story, by doing things such as taking selfies and vlogging, can start to seem a little ill-judged. But, because of our collective social media obsession, it seems irresistible to try to get that perfect snapshot.
Such is the problem facing the Auschwitz Memorial. And after a slew of people began posing in inappropriate, ignorant ways to get that perfect Instagram shot, the historical site was forced the speak out. Writing on their official Twitter account, they shared a message for those who seem to think that their social media presence is more important than respecting the events of the past.
Social media is taking over the world.
Many are worried about the impacts that this may have.
One of the biggest social platforms is Instagram.
The app was launched in 2010 and had with fairly humble beginnings. It has since been purchased by Facebook and has become one of the biggest social media platforms in the world.There's something oddly addictive about it.
The photos that we post receive "likes", and it often feels like a sort of validation in the unkind, unfriendly world that we live in. For many, Instagram has become a very real addiction.A lot of the content you'll find there can be fairly same-y.
Because, for all of us, not every part of life is "Instagrammable".
If we believe what we see on our feeds, then we're looking at a strangely distorted view of the world. This altering-of-reality is something that many sociologists are concerned about in terms of our future.But, ultimately, it's probably pretty harmless.
But what about those who'll do anything for a like?
The rush of a popular Instagram post is heavily sought after - and for some people, that means they'll stop at nothing to get that perfect, "likeable" picture.Even if that means posting something a little more distasteful.
"Doing it for the likes" is a real social phenomenon - and although it's frequently joked about, it could have some quite worrying implications. It seems that some prize their social-media-lives over the real world around them.This becomes hugely apparent in the case of sites that bare considerable historical significance.
Auschwitz is the site of one of the darkest moments in history.
One particularly horrific sight to see there is the railway tracks.
It can be hard to think of an appropriate response to a sight such as Auschwitz.
When faced with such intense and enormous tragedy, it can seem impossible to think of an adequate way to acknowledge it.But some visitors have been doing something that most would never dream of doing.
They've been taking their visit to Auschwitz as an opportunity to pose for that perfect Instagram shot. The railways, in particular, have been the site of a slew of Instagram posts.So many, in fact, that the site has been forced to speak out.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum have issued a reminder to visitors that these kinds of photos are, at best, unnecessary and inappropriate, and at worst, hugely disrespectful.They took to Twitter to make their point.
When you come to @AuschwitzMuseum remember you are at the site where over 1 million people were killed. Respect th… https://t.co/yhtb4Prtxg— Auschwitz Memorial (@Auschwitz Memorial)1553083228.0
And people were pretty appalled by the images.
When you look at these photos and think about that which the camp represents, it's hard not to have an immediate, emotional reaction.Some view it as a lack of respect for history.
@AuschwitzMuseum This is a very necessary post, our picture-taking habits are completely out of control. I may be v… https://t.co/C39yP5ZKOO— Francesca 💙 🇪🇺 (@Francesca 💙 🇪🇺)1553083772.0
Some see this problem as symptomatic.
@AuschwitzMuseum Today's world summed up in one tweet. So sad that you even had to post this.— DJ Billy Morris (@DJ Billy Morris)1553102309.0
Some even viewed it as a sign of hopelessness.
After more and more tourists started posing for Instagram photos on the train tracks at The Auschwitz Memorial and… https://t.co/bdgLfjvLfB— Mel Tansill (@Mel Tansill)1553123261.0
Some had a very visceral reaction.
It's easy to get caught up in the horrors of what these images could represent in spite of the fact that it's highly doubtful that any of these young people actually meant any harm by what they were doing.Many think that the camera removes us from our surroundings.
@arch2tch @AuschwitzMuseum What have we become? Why even bother going to Auschwitz if you're going to behave like y… https://t.co/JPVNBkwxOQ— Francesca 💙 🇪🇺 (@Francesca 💙 🇪🇺)1553087452.0
However, some took a more balanced view.
@AuschwitzMuseum @RevMelanieNOLA Not everyone is at the same place in their journey towards maturity and understand… https://t.co/88WFi6JHwQ— Gseriously? 🤦🏼♀️ (@Gseriously? 🤦🏼♀️)1553088594.0
It's problematic to try to dictate any response to grief.
@OstezVostreLion Smiling is human. There are also human stories from #Auschwitz that can make people smile. You do… https://t.co/oqrnJoCFgs— Auschwitz Memorial (@Auschwitz Memorial)1553083862.0
The official account was quick to point this out.
Photographs taken at @AuschwitzMuseum by visitors can commemorate the victims & help us to educate about the… https://t.co/0FyhK2vlWN— Auschwitz Memorial (@Auschwitz Memorial)1553148845.0
Nonetheless, some took a didactic approach.
Some had the view that any photography at such a haunting, horrific site was inherently problematic, and urged the Auschwitz Memorial to consider a blanket ban.However, this isn't what the site wanted.
Photography at @AuschwitzMuseum will not be banned. Yet, we ask visitor to behave respectfully, also when taking pi… https://t.co/AF6IGi7omt— Auschwitz Memorial (@Auschwitz Memorial)1553102699.0