OK, so maybe hate isn't a very nice word, but I strongly dislike Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, Yik Yak, etc. Before you call me a hypocrite, yes I do in fact have every single one of these apps downloaded on my phone. Yes, I do spend endless hours reading funny tweets and stalking the Kardashians on Instagram. I just feel like the world was a better place before Myspace introduced us to the age of social media.
I admit that social media definitely has its perks. For instance, I can share all of my articles via social media and receive feedback on my writing. I can see just how beautiful that third cousin's wedding was that I missed last weekend. I can watch a newborn relative grow up, even if they live on the other side of the country. In addition to staying connected, social media has also provided numerous jobs. As you can see, I'll give credit where credit is due.
But social media is addictive. According to Informate Mobile Intelligence, Americans check social media at least once every waking hour. If you're anything like me, that time isn't spent just clearing your notifications. You can easily knock out a good half hour doing nothing but staring into that 5 inch black hole of a screen. There's a poem by Rose Milligan that says, "Dust if you must, but there's not much time, with rivers to swim and mountains to climb, music to hear and books to read, friends to cherish and life to lead." I know this poem published in 1998 was referring to housecleaning, but when I read it, I instantly began to reflect on how much time I waste on social media when I could be actually socializing with family or friends, reading a good book, enjoying outdoors, or maybe even getting my homework done. The saddest part is that when we are doing those real life things like being with friends or traveling, we find ourselves consumed with the need to get the perfect picture to share on Instagram or Facebook instead of enjoying our surroundings.
In addition to being an incredibly large waste of time, social media also fosters jealousy. How many times have you scrolled past someone's picture and thought, "Wow I wish my body looked like hers," or "I wish I could afford that fancy car?" Maybe you even have an adorable couple that you find yourself idolizing. Social media can give you a sense that your life isn't good enough, but that is just because no one posts about their struggles, which everyone has.
I know that social media isn't going anywhere, and it is just part of life in today's society. But I encourage not only myself, but you as well, to go out and experience life without having your eyes glued to your phone. I bet the world is so much more beautiful that way.
