We live in a world with computers in our pockets. On this computer I have my whole life, it's actually kind of scary that I am so connected through an iPhone. On this computer I have all my memories through pictures, all my contact information, all my notes and thoughts, and most importantly all my favorite applications and websites. Though I am so connected through my phone, I deleted my social media for just one week and that's when I realized I have a huge problem. Ironically, you're probably reading this article via Facebook, but imagine if you didn't have Facebook, would the world end?
Turns out the world does not end, you just get serious fear of missing out. I deleted mine and within the first 24 hours of all my social media being gone I had three different people contact me and ask if I was okay, so turns out your followers do miss you, and they will notice, but this doesn't mean the world ends. This actually just gives you the chance to become engaged in the world. Now when I am walking to class I am walking with my face out of my phone, when I drive I don't usually have my phone in my hand, I'm having conversations instead of getting virtually connected, which is all great. It's been a whole new way of living, but it has also been a sad realization that I am too connected with what everyone else is doing instead of what I am doing.
Now I'm not saying social media is evil, I personally love it, but I am saying that you should take a step back and think about if you let it consume your life? If you do there is a simple fix, just try eliminating your least favorite one, and start living more simply. Life isn't about twitter drama, which mom is saying what on facebook, or who put what raunchy picture up. Life is about you and how you live happily.
The main thing this has taught me is to live for needs and not for wants. Before this, I wanted to be connected on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc. all at the same time. But I was lacking in the real life, I wasn't seeing the big picture and I was being too involved in people that don't effect my life. Since this experience I plan on bringing back my Instagram and Facebook, but leaving my twitter in my past life. And though I am bringing back some of my other networks I plan on staying less connected. Think about it, do you wanna live connected online and disconnected in real life forever?
