The evolution of social media platforms has brought a revolutionary wave in the 21st century. From connecting with thought leaders around the globe to following favourite actors and football players, social media has unified the world. Even though these platforms have given a boost to businesses, helped in creating awareness and brought the masses together against social injustices, their overuse can have adverse effects on the overall wellbeing of an individual.
Many teenagers report suffering from what is known as Social Media Anxiety Disorder, a kind of anxiety caused due to staying away from social media for a short or long duration. We keep checking our newsfeed every once in a while, even though there are no messages. This not only keeps us constantly anxious but also disrupts our attention span. The first thing we do right after we wake up and the last thing we do before sleeping is, check our smartphones. According to experts, almost 20% of people with social media accounts cannot go more than three hours without checking them. Isn’t the figure astonishing enough to point out that social media anxiety is a result of technological advancement not being used in the right spirit?
All the selfies and boomerangs being taken for social media snatch away the precious moments lost forever. We get so engrossed in brooding how fancy our friends’ lives are that we often forget to count our blessings. That may just be partially true. We are responsible for our own happiness, not anyone else. We have one life and we ought to make the best of it. It is high time we prioritize our goals and use social media platforms judiciously for staying informed rather than making our lives revolve around them.