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By: Harry Lee
Are you addicted to using your social media platforms? Have you ever noticed how much time do you spend looking into other people’s lives while scrolling through your Insta feed? Well! To be honest, I just did it while writing. We all are insanely addicted to these social media things, but what impact does use of social media is creating? Before starting, let’s dig the mud off the matter and find out when it all started.
We have seen an immense growth in the trend of SocialMedia over the last ten years, and now it’s ruling in almost every part of the world and each age group. It has now extremely embedded as an integral part of our lives.
Benefits of Social Media
There’s no doubt that social media has made reaching out to people the easiest task no matter in which part of the world you are. Moreover, it has enhanced our access to information of all sorts in a quick and convenient way. No matter what you are looking for; ranging from finding products or services, reviews, opinions, exclusive news, sports and entertainment, you will find each and every domain on these socialmedia platforms.
In addition, social media provides a platform to the businesses and entrepreneurs to connect to their customers and promote their products and services. This way they can reach to a wider audience and can target the potential customers. Socialmedia provides the best medium for self-expression and enable the people to showcase their talent without spending huge money on it. It is being used massively by every individual and mostly (96%) by the people of age 16-24. Many people are now becoming social media influencers and opting for fields like vlogging and blogging. Moreover, it provides the ability to communicate and build a sense of belonging by connecting people.
Do Social Media Affect Our Mental Wellbeing?
Apart from having a benefit, social media is also responsible for creating a huge negative impact on our mental health. Yes! Unfortunately, there is a dark side to socialmedia usage; it has provided an immense power and freedom of speech. People often use this freedom in negative ways which then results in cyberbullying, hate comments, trolling and much more.
In addition, it leads to several insecurities, fear of missing out on important details, the urge of being everywhere, unhealthy comparison wars, and peer pressure. All these are the key factors which contribute in low self-esteem, depression and anxiety. There have been several cases of suicides in the past couple of years that merely happened because of social media bullying and trolling. Let’s take an insight into all the side effects of social media.
Development of Unrealistic Criteria for Success
Social media has now become a life comparison tool; people are constantly comparing their selves to others in terms of status, appearance, education, skills and many aspects. All of us often forget the fact that not everything we see on socialmedia is real. We need to keep this thing in our mind that all the happy images and perfect life situations we come across socialmedia are digitally manipulated. These are either exaggerated facts or mostly, they are not even facts. This eventually leads to the development of unrealistic life approach and unhappy human beings.
Unhealthy Race of Competition
In this digital era, people are in an unhealthy practice of associating their happiness with false worldly parameters. Most of them are relying on the number of followers they have and the likes they just got on their recently uploaded photo. But the question here is; are these parameters worth our happiness? Do we really have a need to make our lives a race, competition or war? Do you deserve to determine your worth by calculating the followers you have?
Well! Let me tell you one thing that this attitude of seeking constant approval will deteriorate your mental wellbeing beyond your imagination. You will not realize it, and it will become a vicious circle and a never-ending web. Moreover, such unhealthy social practices fuels anxiety, depression, insomnia and even suicides.
Lack of Empathy
This digital interaction has devoid people of physical and face to face interactions. This is the major reason they are becoming hollow and shallow. Moreover, it is a root cause of many other problems such as ignorant behaviours, low self-esteem, social anxiety, and depression.
Major Distraction
Spending time on social media is responsible for distracting us from our priorities and goals. It can drive away your attention and focus from the important matters. Moreover, its overuse can cause other issues such as disturbed circadian rhythm, procrastination and social dependence.
8 Useful Tips to Get Rid of The Unhealthy Social Media Addiction
- Set targeted time to use social media
- Turn off the notifications for all your social media handles
- Be mindful while using your mobile phones and switching between apps
- Filter out your friends and followers
- Go for 40 minutes digital detox
- Spend more time in nature
- Hide your social media apps
- Indulge yourself in more realistic and physical experiences
Replace Social Media by Books
Books can be an ideal alternative to the social media. Reading books does not only open up your mind but also add up to your vision and enlighten it. Moreover, reading books can prevent you from all those depressing and negative social media vibes. It will keep your mental health in place, and with no time, you would be able to completely replace using social media with reading books. So, next time you share a meme with your friend try sharing a meaningful quote from the book you have just read and make it a trend. If you are an online bookstore or a retail bookseller, take my advice to use custom corrugated boxes to wrap your books. This will not only enhance your sales, but the success will outgrow your imagination, and you will be the trendsetter of this healthy habit.
