Does Social Media make an Experience Less Pure?

Today I came across a rather interesting article where the writer interviews two high-altitude climbers about their experiences and the controversial use of social media on their big climbs. The article is titled "Is Social Media On Big Climbs Destroying The Purist Experience In The Himalaya?", and is accessible via this link here. When asked if social media takes away the experience of climbing, this is their response:

"There seems to be a nostalgia that propagates the idea that climbing was somehow more pure before the social media world erupted. It’s the idea that climbers used to blast off into the great unknown only writing the sparing letter, and returning war-ragged with a harrowing tale. The implication is that the use of social media somehow makes the motivations less pure and that it pollutes the soul of the adventure. Fact is, most expeditions have always employed whatever means available during that specific era to tell the story in as near real-time as possible. When social didn’t exist, people didn’t have the option. They would use runners, then telegraph, then sat phone, then satellite internet, until now when you can have coverage in many areas of the Khumbu and some areas on the North side. It’s just part of the evolution of communication. But to imply not telling a story as it unfolds is somehow more soulful is both a misunderstanding of the evolution of adventure storytelling, and an over-indulgence in one’s own “importance.” We think not to share is far more selfish, and it’s high time we all stop taking ourselves so seriously."

Well, this certainly got me thinking deeper on the arguments for both sides, as well as how our lives today have been so connected to social media that it would almost be impossible to ignore or disregard the use of it. As pointed out by the writer, social media could arguably dilute the "pureness" of the true experience. Should people truly immerse themselves in a particular experience, or let social media "take over" their experience? It is very common to see people anxiously whipping out their smartphones, recording and posting on social media videos of firework displays, performances, shows and other experiences, instead of living in the moment and indulging in the real-time experience. But of course, from the consumer's perspective, one could hardly complain watching all these fascinating and beautiful personal sharings on social media and living vicariously through others' experiences.

From the perspective of the climbers, it is simply a case of the evolution of communication, where there is almost an entrenched sense of inter-connectedness and inter-dependency between the social media and the human element that necessitates the way we tell our stories in today's world. To share or not to share an experience on social media may also be based on personal reasons, and certainly would not be the most difficult decision to make in your lifetime, but it is kind of reassuring to know that social media is just a few clicks away if we ever need to use it to tell our stories.