Social media, when introduced, was a blessing. People got an opportunity to connect irrespective of their location. Now it is not just a medium to connect and share stuff but is a trap which can consume your time and mental peace. Few things you should keep in mind while using social media will help you avoid becoming a victim of it.
Why Set Limits on Social Media?
Setting limits while using social media is vital. It is a great way to stay updated and share people’s moments of success and happiness. But if your day starts and ends with scrolling Facebook and Instagram feed, you are not a user but its victim. If you are a person who rushes to the phone whenever it beeps, you are addicted to social media. Sad reality! Although it is a big problem, it can be resolved quickly. To get over this addiction, all you need to do is ask yourself two simple questions.
- “What is my purpose of using social media?”, and
- “Is social media affecting my productivity?”
The purpose of using this medium differs for every user. Some use it to stay up to date with current affairs, some for gaining popularity, while others use it to connect with people. People who use it to network with others usually end up overusing it and get addicted. As soon as they wake up from sleep, the first thing is to check Facebook/Instagram. To gain popularity, people fall prey to a different trap wherein they end up being fake and deviate from their real SELF. This may be beneficial, but in many cases, it backfires; they receive hate and criticism from people they haven’t even met. Is that advisable? Many famous people have undergone depression and committed suicidal activities due to social media bashing. Recently, the suicide of late Mr. VG Siddhartha, founder, Cafe Coffee Day has attracted severe criticism from strangers, which is horrible. Who are we to pass our judgment on a public forum?
Use Social Media Responsibly
Start considering it as a tool and not a need. Whatever your purpose be, make sure you are using it only to a point where your objective is fulfilled. If your objective is to stay updated, schedule some time daily for your activities on different platforms. Similarly, set aside a specific time during the day where you will look at your feed and interact with your friends. If you are an influencer, set aside a scheduled time when you will respond to the comments and reactions of your audience.
A personal tip: Usually, I am off social media over weekends as I engage myself in reading books, cooking or listening to music. Occasionally, take time off from checking Facebook/Instagram/Whatsapp to refresh your mind and focus on your life goals. To develop mental strength you may order a copy of The Mind Game – A bestseller by Blue Rose Publishers in the Self-Help category.
