Over 3 billion people share online space with over 2.5 billion active on social media. A revolution which began half-a-decade back has changed the way we communicate today. Various platforms as Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and LinkedIn amongst others have leveraged most of our personal space. Its a great way to stay in touch with your loved ones; however, it has remained limited to photographs, messages, videos & updates.
We spend more than five hours on these platforms – thinking of building networks; however, end up reading what’s happening in other’s life, how many likes did your rival get on a pic, what is the hottest controversy in town, etc.
I think the real world is comparatively more healthier than the virtual one. To call up an old friend & have a hearty discussion either chatting about old memories or settling a feud is better than the virtual space which lasts within the text boxes. Human touch & feelings can never be expressed through smileys. The idea of social media is to leverage the arena of friendship to the next level. It should not be limited to the virtual life.
Social Media was, initially, limited to laptops. Now, it has broadened to mobiles, net-books & tablets. People have turned to zombies with tilt heads spotting inside their mobile phones. More than any, I see group of friends who hang-out at some place with the majority indulged in the screen than enjoying with friends.
To chat, connect, and cherish moments with friends/family/enemies on social media is great. However, one should never forget the existence of humans outside the 5 inch screens.
- 65% employed Chinese feel pressured to be in constant touch with social media.
- 53% Americans have a feeling of guilt if they don’t reply to social media messages instantly.
- Out of total respondents from China, US & Singapore – 57% feel jealous of others, 62% bear the pressure to be witty & 58% feel social media obligations are stressful.
The motive of this article is not to say that social media is bad. It is important to share moments on these sites & share happiness. If you hang-out with friends, make sure the screen remains in your pocket or you make minimal use of it. People in this world die to be loved. The best way to display affection is to call, hug, hold a hand & share some time together than a message on social media.
‘The Optimistic You’ supports the ongoing trends in social media & appreciates the same. However, it also highlights the importance of relations – with friends, family, loved ones in person & not on digital screens.
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