Social media has drastically changed our lives. It provides new means of communication that not only enhances connectivity but also provides opportunities to share our thoughts, ideas and experiences. Friendships have become easy and instant. It’s only a click away. We can chat, share photos and watch videos. It has reduced distances between the hearts. It brings different people closer to each other. Family members who live in different cities or countries share moments of daily life. Old friends who haven’t been in touch for years can now reconnect.
But there is another side of the coin. Besides its positive impact, there are negative aspects too. The reality of social media is that it often nurtures illusory relations, which are limited to the online world. We are unable to know each other’s feelings and intentions as such a relation has a superficial and temporal connection. Moreover, people get so engrossed in the online life that they neglect real relationships around them. Another problem is that social media has increased physical distances. People spend more time on screen, but their personal encounters become less frequent. This way the depth and beauty of real relationship suffers. Facial expressions, emotions, and non-verbal cues, which are important for strengthening human bonds, are lost in online communication.
Also, the race for likes, comments, and followers is problematic. In order to get attention from others, we actually forget real life. This artificial attention may provide temporary satisfaction, but it cannot replace real happiness. Social media friendships are sometimes hidden behind a false mask. Users may appear happy by showing the best moments of their life, but the reality may be different. This also creates a stress, as they begin to see their own lives as inferior when they see the happiness of others. So, it’s up to us how we use social media. If we use it positively, and without neglecting the importance of real relationships, it can improve our lives. But if it is used excessively, it can damage our relationships. It’s therefore important that we maintain a balance and give our real life as much importance as we can.
Comments