Suppose your phone is locked for a few hours. Or assume you can’t get an internet connection on mobile or the video or photo playing has got stuck. What would be your reaction? It is a sign if you feel restless and anxious. Social media has made you addicted and you have an unhealthy relationship with social media.
Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram… we have so much media today. But studies are coming in continuously that all these things can damage our mental health if they are not managed effectively. This damage is done at the attentional, emotional, and memory levels. It is very beneficial for us if we proceed by keeping a proper distance and establish a healthy relationship with social media. Therefore, it is necessary for us to have some thoughts about the usage of social media.
Why do we use social media?
This is the first and foremost question. Social media can be useful for many things like connecting with friends and improving business. If the goal is a healthy relationship and personal growth, then that is fine. But if it is used to insult others, to spread slander, to compare with others, or to become popular in a disrespectful way, it should be discouraged. Such uses are personally harmful. Those who understand the precise purpose and value of time will not use social media carelessly.
Is your mind in a state of exhaustion?
At least sometimes we get tired of many things. Disappointment, anger and failure may overwhelm us. Avoid using social media on such occasions. The situation in which social media is used has an impact on mood.
Think twice before sharing
Forwarded messages come to us at least once a day. Most people share it without even reading what it is. Sometimes it can be fake news, falsehood or scandal. When we forward such things, we unwittingly become the propagandists of falsehood and slander. Similarly, you should think twice about the pictures that are posted. Especially pictures of children. Is it being posted out of necessity or for convenience?
Determine the time
Set time limits for social media use. There are people who indulge themselves in social media even during work hours. Reluctance to work and lack of work make many people indulge themselves in social media. Refrain from spending time being lazy and engage in things creatively. Don’t use social media for more than ten to fifteen minutes in a 24-hour day. Adjust the timer and stop using it. A conscious effort must be made in this matter.
