Social media to enhance life

Before the dawn of the modern technological era, we depended on teachers, parents, elders and textbooks to teach and share with us knowledge and important information about the world around us and life as a whole. But today with the arrival of social media there is a shift from this age-old practice. In fact, humans are being replaced by mobile phones, tablets, computers, etc. In other words, unlike in the past there is more use of social media in communication.

Social media platforms are like an open stage that exposes the personal lives of people while simultaneously hiding parts of it. Everything is packed into the glossy pack of publicity with the intention of gaining self-attention from the world around. Social media has influenced and impacted our lives immensely beyond our imagination. From the growth of business to making new connections to gaining information, social media has stormed right into our homes and personal spaces.

During the pandemic and thereafter, social media has played an increasingly bigger role in the lives of people, especially the young, from their relationships to their careers to spending their free time on various social media platforms.

In India alone, the use of social media has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years, with a greater number of users logging on every day to share their experiences and thoughts with the world, to build their personal brands, and to learn about others through content sharing. Indians, on an average, spend about 2.36 hours on social media daily. The World Wide Web (www) is one of the wonders of the modern world.

The month of February is considered by many as the month of love and friendship as Valentine’s Day is celebrated on the 14th. Social media platforms will be abuzz with a plethora of messages, photos and videos being shared across world. However, before you decide to share these, ask yourself these questions: Is it going to help people positively? Will it build healthy relationships? Is the information or story true? When you scroll through people’s social media accounts, ask yourself: What am I looking for? Will it benefit me in any way? Is it worth spending my precious time on it? These questions will help you think and make the right decision.

Many users, in their curiosity, have become victims of the dangers that lurk in this virtual world. We are blest with the ability to decide and choose what we want, with or without the help of social media. Even though social media poses many challenges, we can use them as stepping stones to enhance our lives and make them better, not worse.