We live in a world where everything is right at our fingertips, including other people's lives. Social media has made everything accessible; you can share everything and anything, instantly.
With how easy it is to share — and see — everything, it can be easy to forget that you're only seeing what others want you to see. Social media has created a world where people suffer from "fear of missing out," or FOMO, and it can get overwhelming. I often find myself wishing I was somewhere else or that I had something, just because I see it on my screen.
That's why it's so important to remember that social media is exactly that: media.
It's entertainment. Everything on social media is curated. It's often not the reality of someone's life — it's the life they're presenting to the world. Of course, no one wants to share the negative aspects of their life, like how they look when they're sick or that they only have pickles and bread in their fridge. It's all staged.
Don't get me wrong, I love it. I can keep in touch with others and share what's going on in my life quickly and easily. Plus, social media is fun! There's so much to love about it, but excessive use can be draining. I didn't realize how much of an impact social media had over my life until I watched an episode of Black Mirror. The season three episode, "Nosedive," made me reflect on my own social media habits, and I realized they had to change. While there are advantages to it, social media is best in small doses.
I often take breaks from using social media apps. It gives me a chance to clear my head and remember that there's more to life than posting. Even though I am aware of the negative aspects of social media use, I still get caught up feeling overwhelmed. It's hard not to, so I step away for a while. Once I do, I feel refreshed. By stepping away, I get to reset my brain and enjoy each moment without worrying about sharing them.
If you need a break, take one!
There's nothing wrong with needing a little time away. Social media is a good way to stay connected, but it shouldn't feel like an obsession, and it shouldn't affect your mood. It's a love-hate relationship, for sure, but it's worth it.
