Internet Ruined Me
Wilbur Soot
The Digital Descent: How the Internet Warped Love and Self-Worth
Wilbur Soot's song "Internet Ruined Me" delves into the complexities and pitfalls of modern digital life, particularly focusing on how the internet has affected personal relationships and self-perception. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young man who is deeply entrenched in the online world, to the point where it has distorted his understanding of love, affection, and self-worth. The opening lines, "My keyboard's like my heart / It shines in RGB and it's full of blood," set the tone for the song, highlighting the fusion of digital and emotional realms. This metaphor suggests that his emotional life is as artificial and colorful as the RGB lights of his keyboard, yet it's also filled with real, raw emotions like blood.
The song continues to explore the protagonist's struggles with real-life interactions, especially with women. He admits to having trouble speaking to women unless they are "2D or high definition," indicating a preference for virtual or idealized versions of people over real human connections. This is further emphasized by his obsession with social media, where he memorizes everything a woman says to guess her passcode, a metaphor for his invasive and unhealthy fixation. The chorus, "The internet has ruined me," serves as a poignant summary of his plight, encapsulating the detrimental impact of digital life on his mental health and relationships.
The latter part of the song delves deeper into his feelings of inadequacy and desperation. He laments that his ideas of affection are "based around artificial perfection," a critique of how social media and online interactions often promote unrealistic standards. The repeated line, "We used to sleep on call together," evokes a sense of nostalgia and loss, suggesting that even his most intimate moments have been mediated through a screen. This repetition underscores the emptiness and isolation that can come from relying too heavily on digital connections. Ultimately, "Internet Ruined Me" is a powerful commentary on the alienating effects of the internet, urging listeners to reflect on their own digital habits and the impact they have on their lives.