Through the various platforms found on the internet and social media, you could say that we are now at a time of unparalleled connectivity. We are aware of global – as well as national – issues and a quick tap away from friends and family members. The rise of social media marketing had lead brands to play an increasingly important role in our lives, defining who we are and shaping how we live.
With technology and social media on the rise, the possibilities seem endless. However, could too much connectivity be (ironically) fostering more disconnection instead? When does social media become more of a detriment to society than a benefit?
For some of us, scrolling through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram is like coffee in the morning and we are now beginning to think about things like social media as an addiction, something that distracts from reality instead of heightening it.
Worries have arisen regarding the new generation who have grown up not knowing a different world to the one we have today. A generation born with smartphones and Youtube, growing up with eyes glued to screens. Digital dependency has become a widespread epidemic and psychiatrist and scientists have begun to question the effects of this type of obsessive behavior on mental health.
A study found that the average Brit checks their phone as much as 28 times a day. Although smartphones can be a great help to people with busy lifestyles, the issue arises when this sort of compulsive behavior does nothing to add value to life and instead takes something away from your life. We now have to ask ourselves whether we are really just wasting our time when we could be doing so much more with ourselves.
Is this what we’ve become?
Though there is a lack of research in the field of social media and mental health, there are many studies showing that an overindulgence in social media can create feelings of unhappiness and isolation. You may have been there before. Scrolling through your Instagram feed and seeing those perfectly filtered photos. An age of narcissists that (again ironically) indulge in voyeurism to possibly drown out deep self-esteem issues, all while bringing down the self-esteem of others in a dark, depressing loop.
Our lives become the stage show of others, reality TV replaced by a sick pseudo-fantasy reality where unrealistic expectations become the norm and what is real is hidden by filters and photo editing or a twisted spin on storytelling.
However, it does not help that social media and the internet has given rise to influencers – where individuals are able to make a name for themselves and with fame comes money, followed by recognition and sponsorship offers.
There are a few problems to be gleaned from the culture and it happens on both sides of the spectrum. Consumers see these influencers as people they could potentially be and are often disappointed when they do not reach the same heights even when they pour so much effort into it. Consumers might also find themselves purchasing things their favorite Instagram star is currently wearing or endorsing, whether or not they actually need it.
On the other end, content creators begin to live their lives in a state of delusion, thinking that they must stay on top in order to reap their successes. This in turn makes many social media influencers jaded (such as the case of Logan Paul in Japan) or worse, convinced that they must do anything they can to stay relevant.
A study conducted by the University of Copenhagen found that there are many Facebook users who are suffering from “Facebook envy” or to put in Millennial slang, “FOMO”, making them particularly depressed and dissatisfied with themselves. When the users were made to take a break from Facebook, they were found to be much happier.
By limiting the amount of time that you spend scrolling through social media, you can let real life seep in in all its imperfect and beautiful glory.
Spend more time with your loved ones and on loving yourself. Being connected to people in the virtual world may actually be making you lonelier.
The detrimental effects of gadgets are not merely limited to the mind; scientists have found that the blue light (emitted from your smartphone) before bedtime contributes to poor quality sleep.
And yet, we continue to scroll through our tweets, refreshing our feeds, feeling satisfaction at the growing numbers, craving acceptance with keyboard warriors lurking in the shadows and being affected personally when one of them lashes out with ugly words.
Look at the studies. They show us that social media may be contributing to a large number of the cases of depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses among the youth but society is catching up a little too late while technology continues its leaps and bounds, unfeeling as to whether humankind is ready for this kind of connectivity or technology and to govern ourselves from overindulging.