We live in the world of now. Everything has to happen as soon as possible. I need to have immediate access to the digital lives' of my friends and family. Nothing is private anymore. Once it is online, it is available for everyone to see and judge. This is the kind of time I am growing up in. This new world of technology has dramatically changed the way we view the world. Before social media, I had no idea what my friends were doing unless I asked them. Now, I am able to see what they wore today, what they ate, how school was all with a few clicks of a mouse.
This freaks me out, but I too have certainly fallen victim to the lure of social media. I can not go a day without checking Instagram, or seeing my family arguing on Facebook. Social media has really become a huge part of my life as well as the lives of millions of other people. It has taken over the way we communicate with others.
Relationships are a lot different now as well. We actually have dating apps. Swipe right to find your next boyfriend or the next terrible date story to tell your friends. Social media has actually found a way to control how we feel about each other. I find myself feeling lonely or envious because I see cute couples all over my Instagram feed. Even though I am perfectly fine on my own, having all of these reminders that I am single does not help my self-esteem, let me tell you. I do not even have to go somewhere to meet people now -- I can let an app help me determine who is worthy of my time.
Too often we are letting ourselves become comfortable with this way of life. Plans are often cancelled because staying in and watching Netflix sounds more appealing than going out and experiencing life with others. Why exactly is Netflix such a popular activity now? Of course it is great to watch all of your favorite shows and movies, but when did it become a better way to spend time rather than being with actual people?
God wants us to do life with others. The Bible speaks heavily on the importance of being in relationships with people.
John 15:13 says, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
We were not meant to be alone, but this rise of social media is pushing us further towards isolation. I do not have to leave my dorm to interact with others anymore. I can message people through my phone or laptop without ever seeing them face-to-face. Does anyone else feel like we are heading towards a more antisocial way of life? I highly doubt I am the only one that thinks this way.
As this semester draws to a close, I am going to make more of an effort to stay off my phone. I plan on experiencing life in real-time, instead of viewing it through a screen.