If I were to ask you the following question, how would you answer? “Why are many Millennials and those born after so addicted to using social media?” Perhaps your answer would be something to do with the fact social media became more prevalent and widespread around the early 2000s. These young people were born at a time when social media became the new normal. As a Millennial, (those born between 1981-1994/6), I would say that I am still fortunate enough to remember a time before social media. When I was in school, around 2004, when Facebook was created, I did not find social media neither necessary nor interesting. I was more interested in playing football outside. I tend to wonder and contemplate on the younger generation. Yes, the Generation Z. My focus is on those born when social media was already essentially everywhere. Lets focus on those that were born in the past decade or so. How different was their childhood compared to mine and perhaps yours? I am referring to the childhood spent playing on the swings, playing hide and seek, running around, playing catch or tag, laughing, falling-out. becoming friends again… Children did not want to be called to go inside their homes. Now, they don’t want to go out of the homes!
Where has this pure innocence of childhood gone?
Children, teenagers and adults are become more and more addicted to social media and it is very concerning. We might be thinking, why? Why are so many of us addicted? I will admit, I was addicted to social media not too long ago. When I realised that I was spending too much time on Instagram a few years ago, I decided to permanently delete it. You might be thinking, why take such a drastic approach? Have you ever though, why is it that I feel like I need to check if there is anything new or interesting on my page? After posting a photo, I would have many questions such as, how many likes are there? what are the comments? I can now see that it was an endless and depressing cycle. It felt exhausting to keep up. Looking back, I realise that I was indeed addicted. I would post a photo and immediately, I would look at how many likes I got. I would feel good if I received a certain amount of interaction. If I did not get that many likes, I would delete the photo! Sometimes, I would post it again and wait for a change in the amount of likes! It was tiring! Why did I do this? Why did I think that I needed peoples’ approval. Comments such as “you look good” make so many of us feel awesome right? However, the most important thing is that we need to already think this of ourselves! Social media and low self-esteem is an entire topic that needs to be more focused on. It is really worrying especially with younger people.
The question is, why are so many of us addicted to using social media? I believe in trying to limit using social media if you need to use it at all! Of course, there are some advantages to using social media such as connecting with family and friends who live far away. This is an excellent way of communication. Though, I want to redirect your focus on the social media aspect of endless scrolling and watching short clips that serve no purpose but to leave us craving for more of the same. Of course, everyone has their own opinions about social media. I just want you to think of these questions: are we really being ‘social’ using social media? Are we being productive with our precious time? Is there a reason that we have social media? Is this really entertainment? Of course, answers will be subjective, yet, there are still undeniable disadvantages to do with social media which I will further mention. The most important question is.. are we really happy?
I am a Millennial. I am twenty eight years old. I wish I could say that I have never had a social media account like Dr Cal Newport, (the author of ‘Deep Work’ and other books all of which I really want to read). I have had and still have social media accounts. I hardly use them as I understand that I need to make better use of my time. Currently, I have noticed that I feel that I have more time as I have really limited my social media use and it feels amazing. If you use social media in a productive way where you are able to set your own time then of course, that is absolutely normal. The new trend where people spend endless time scrolling and viewing bite sized videos that will lead on to another one like an endless night is the real problem. It is all about moderation. I realise that it is perhaps not the norm for a twenty something year old not to really use social media. I am a simple person! I prefer to have face-to-face interactions. In a restaurant, I prefer to put my mobile phone away and connect with the person I am having a meal with. Think to yourself, how do you feel when someone asks you, ‘how are you doing?’ or ‘how is everything with you these days?’ and really listens intently to your response. There is no doubt that you will feel valued. Appreciated. Loved. Many people sit and text while sitting opposite another person and they might remember to mutter ‘so, you are good yeah’ while tapping and scrolling, smiling at the screen before them, almost remembering that you are there. How do you feel in that situation compared to the other one? How is it possible to form close friendships and relationships when we are staring at screens? Have you ever thought about this? I find it very sad actually.
Ultimately, reflection is the most important thing we can do. How are you feeling in such a disconnected world. We need to do what we enjoy, whether that is reading, writing, exploring nature, cooking and many more and hold onto these skills and hobbies as the world becomes more ‘connected’ yet disconnected at the same time.
The final question really is.. are we able to reconnect and form deep and solid relationships with others and mostly with the most important person in our lives, with ourselves while scrolling endlessly?
Thank you very much for reading! I hope you enjoyed and benefitted. Your support means so much. Please feel free to comment your thoughts. I hope to see you again soon! 🙂
Maryam Hagi Lifestyle 