Disconnect to Connect

Communication is a basic need of human beings which plays an important role in our daily life. We humans, as social animals, need to communicate and to share our thoughts and views through our ability of speech and reason and thus, we create a bond of interdependent relationship with other human beings. We love to exhibit ourselves, and we also love to know what others amongst us are doing.
But in the 21st century, with the development of the Internet, Technology, and Social media these platforms took away the fun of the real-world and made everything virtual.
In the past, we have automatically and practically adapted our lifestyle according to social media. Today it has become an essential part of our lives, as we have started spending the majority of our day’s leisure hours on it.
Modern society has become more and more obsessed as well as addicted to ‘Social Media’ in the form of PCs, Tablets, I Pads, Smart Phones, etc. According to a report an individual spends around two hours daily on social networking sites. Studies have also shown that people who spend a lot of time on social media are at least two times more likely to feel socially isolated. It has totally changed the way we look at society, interact, and meet with each another.
Excessive use of social media displaces more authentic social experiences because the more time a person spends online, the less time there is for real-world interactions. Virtual World has created barriers among people; it causes teenagers, adults, and children to develop a habit of checking their phones every time a notification pings.
One must understand the difference between Real World friends and Virtual World friends. Dr. Poppito said, “Being involved in social comparison impacts your self-esteem and your self-worth.” He also mentions that “the prevalence of social media is greatly affecting the psychological and social development of children”.
Social networking is really a sharp double-edged sword which is making us more dependent and anti-social.
Therefore, be a smart user and try to have real-life conversations with people you love and care and make as many memories as you can and let these conversations go beyond the emoticons and character limits. People really need real arms around their shoulders embracing them gracefully and not any virtual hug.

REMEMBER: Too much of anything is bad.

By: Sakshi Bhardwaj