Classic Fishing Without Bait 452: Is Social Media Real Life?

Why are we revisiting this episode now?

As students head back to school, conversations around social media, young people, screen time, online identity, and mental health are once again dominating the news. Recent legal action involving major social media platforms has also renewed questions about how these spaces are designed and how they affect the people using them.

That makes this conversation from Fishing Without Bait Episode 452, originally released January 14, 2025, feel particularly timely.

Jim Ellermeyer is joined by Chris Maverick, professor of digital narrative interactive design at the University of Pittsburgh and a former professional wrestler, for a fascinating discussion about storytelling, performance, identity, escapism, and mindfulness.

Chris draws a connection between professional wrestling and social media: both involve creating a version of yourself for an audience.

The difference is that we usually understand that a professional wrestler is playing a character. On social media, those lines aren't always as clear.

We see someone's vacations, accomplishments, relationships, perfect photos, opinions, and carefully selected moments—but rarely see the arguments, frustrations, insecurities, bills, bad days, or ordinary moments happening outside the frame.

When we compare our complete lives to someone else's edited presentation, we create expectations that reality can never satisfy.

Jim and Chris explore:

• Why social media should be understood partly as a performance medium

• The difference between a person's online identity and everyday reality

• How comparison can distort our expectations of our own lives