Social media is supposed to be a way to stay connected but instead I feel more disconnected than ever.
Social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter were supposed to keep me current on my friend’s lives. But instead, I find myself feeling left behind. The problem with social media is that it often gives off the impression that the world around you is constantly having the time of their lives while you are just at home watching your life pass you by.
I'm here to tell you as a regular user of social media that we tend to document the moments that are the most worthy of our viewers. And often, looks can be deceiving.
I feel as if social media has become a form of approval from our peers. We post pictures, videos, and statuses in the hopes of gaining validation from society. Social media should be about sharing our lives not seeking affirmation. This longing for acceptance can only lead to counting likes and hoping for commentary. We have began to live our lives for others instead of for ourselves.
As if it wasn't enough that social media has dictated the way we live, it has now found a way to take over our lives completely. We spend approximately 3.9 years of our lives on our phones (from mobilestatistics.com). I know it’s hard to believe that this startling statistic could be factual, it baffles me as well, but this just goes to show how the social media craze has taken the world by storm. If we are constantly watching other people's lives than how are we supposed to live our own.
After learning about this alarming fact, my roommate decided to delete all of her social media apps. I spoke with Amelia Freschi about the true reasoning behind her two week hiatus she explained to me that she felt left out by her immediate friend group. Amelia is not the only person to have felt this way at the hand of a social media platform.
She stated, “Just by opening an app, I’m making myself feel bad and I shouldn't allow just an app to have that much power over me”. She’s right! Never let other’s dictate your happiness and definitely do not allow falsified depictions of other’s to cause you so much grief.
She explained, “I felt pressure to make my life look perfect for others.” No one should ever feel as if they have something to prove. As long as you are content with yourself, no one else's opinion should have any bearing. This is not just Amelia’s struggle, many people are effected by social media and it’s determined pull to bring us down at the hand of fellow users. After enduring two painful weeks of no contact via social media, she finally decided to rejoin the virtual world but not before noticing her accomplishments. Although, Amelia has re-downloaded her social media apps she has not forgotten the valuable lessons she has learned from life without them.
Social media should not be used as anything more than what it was created for, a connection to the world and the people in it without allowing it to rule it.
