Behind the Mask - Partying and Social Media

In the book, The Great Gatsby written by Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald, partying and wealth often go hand in hand in representing their social status and hierarchy. Tom, a wealthy character, the husband to Daisy, is a symbolism for wealth in the book. He shows his wealth in every aspect of him. For example, his power and status is often shown through his attitude and behaviors when talking to people, like talking loudly, and interrupting others--a typical sign of people that is used to power and wealth. Furthermore, he seems to show off about it without showing his flaws. And I thought this was similar to the way our social medias work nowadays.

On social media, it is just so easy to only show one dimension--the good part--of yourself, just like the way Tom was able to show his good side--being wealthy. However, often times, there are things that be behind the mask, whether that is behind throwing parties or social media. The famous Amber Heard, known for her appearances in various movies, is cancelled now because through her divorce with her ex-husband, Johnny Depp, evidence pointed that she was actually a lier and a domestic abuser. Noone would have known that she was like that because of the way she painted herself on social media and in public.

However it is also essential to point out that social media can also provide a way to communicate matters that cannot be easily communicated. Because of the wide reach of social media now, different perspectives and opinions can be shared, showing different dimensions of one person. 

In the end, social media and partying can be used in a way to showcase wealth and amplify status, but it can also be used in a way that reveals unknown details about someone that otherwise would not have been.