The internet has revolutionised human interaction, providing platforms for self-expression, connection, and debate. Yet, it has also spawned complex behaviours, some of which blur the lines between public service and harassment. A striking example is found in the comment by a YouTube user, "P Beech," who vows to "monitor" a content creator's behaviour as a pastime while framing their actions as a form of public service to expose the adverse effects of social media. This essay explores the implications of this statement, unpacking the paradoxes it reveals about social media, mental health, and the human inclination to judge others online.
Self-Appointed Vigilance or Harassment?
P Beech positions themselves as a self-appointed monitor of the content creator's behaviour, claiming their intent is to highlight the "adverse effects" of social media. While the comment suggests an altruistic motive—raising awareness about mental health issues—its tone and implications verge on harassment. The act of "monitoring" another person's online behaviour for personal satisfaction, especially when publicly announced, creates an unsettling power dynamic. It is one thing to critique or engage in meaningful discourse, but another to pledge ongoing surveillance under the guise of a public good.
This behaviour exemplifies a phenomenon often described as "cyber-vigilantism." While it may stem from genuine concern or a desire for justice, it frequently devolves into actions that harm the very people it purports to help. P Beech’s comment suggests that their fixation is less about contributing to constructive dialogue and more about using the content creator as a spectacle for their audience. This approach risks crossing ethical boundaries, turning a purported act of advocacy into an act of harm.
The Irony of Projecting Mental Illness.
P Beech’s commentary ironically highlights the very issue they criticise. The assertion that social media exacerbates mental illness is not unfounded; studies have shown that excessive use of platforms can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other psychological struggles. However, the behaviour P Beech demonstrates—publicly vowing to stalk someone online—raises questions about their own mental state. The comment underscores the complexities of social media's effects on users, where the platform can both amplify harmful behaviours and provide a space for self-righteousness cloaked in concern.
The suggestion that people should undergo mental health checks before accessing social media is problematic. While it highlights the undeniable link between mental health and digital engagement, it also raises ethical and logistical concerns. Who would decide the criteria for such checks, and how would they be enforced? More importantly, such measures risk stigmatizing mental illness, creating further barriers for those seeking connection and community online.
The Dynamics of Power and Accountability.
At its core, P Beech's comment reflects an imbalance of power. By framing their actions as a moral duty, they elevate themselves above the content creator, assuming a position of authority. This behaviour mirrors the larger dynamic of cancel culture and public shaming, where individuals or groups wield disproportionate influence over others’ lives. Such actions often lack accountability, as the "monitors" themselves remain shielded by anonymity, free from scrutiny of their own behaviour.
Moreover, P Beech’s comment embodies a broader societal trend: the conflation of public criticism with constructive change. While awareness of social media's potential harms is crucial, real progress requires empathy, dialogue, and systemic solutions—not singling out individuals as examples of societal decay.
In Conclusion.
P Beech’s comment is a microcosm of the contradictions and challenges inherent in the digital age. It reveals how social media can both expose and perpetuate harmful behaviours, creating a cycle of judgment and surveillance that benefits no one. While their stated intent of raising awareness about mental health is commendable, their methods risk causing more harm than good.
Ultimately, the digital world requires a collective rethinking of how we engage with one another online. Instead of assuming roles as moral arbiters, users must strive for empathy and constructive dialogue, recognizing that every comment and interaction has the potential to shape the very culture we inhabit.
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