Some might argue that the overuse of social media can have a detrimental impact on the human brain. Fact or assumption, the thought is frightening because we’re glued to our screens almost 17 hours a day, basically all day minus the time for sleep. I mean, if someone can afford a smartphone, it’s a given that they will use a social media app too. Online chat applications have become an obsession for people all over the world. Come to think of it though, had it not been for these apps, many would have suffered severe depression during the lockdown period. Social media apps have kept us sane throughout these trying times. And they will continue to assist us if we learn to use them properly.
- Practicing discipline:
It takes a bit of discipline but balancing your priorities will pave your way to a successful life ahead. Fix a time of the day for using social media, and once you have, sign out of your account. Constant notifications can be very distracting and will lure you into going beyond your set quota. Your online friends might be taking you for granted if you’re always available. Limiting your presence on social media apps will make your social media pals value your time more. This way, instead of you waiting for that special someone to come online, others will be waiting for you. Quite a boost to your self-esteem eh?!
- Staying on the track:
When you need to check something important on social media outside of scheduled hours, make sure you don’t take too long. Sometimes, what happens is that we log in for a concrete reason but then get de-tracked and end up wasting our time. You sign in to check the date for an event mentioned in a post, and an hour later, you find yourself liking random people’s pictures. You should be clear about why you’re logging into your social media account, do the needful and then sign out. Social media helps you recall meaningful events in your life and in the lives of your loved ones. You’ll never miss out on a birthday or anniversary if you go through your home page daily.
- Getting inspired:
Instead of envying that bright-eyed distinction holder, praise her for her efforts and gain inspiration from her achievements. Comparing yourself with others and imagining their life is better than yours will get you nowhere. Believe that you can be just as good or better at something you prioritize more in your life, such as maybe working out to get those six-pack abs. Also, be careful with who you add and follow, and if someone’s social media presence starts disturbing you, unfriend them. At the end of the day, you want to get inspired by men and women of substance, and not some industry salves promoting sugar-coated shallowness.
Also read: 5 Simple Hacks to Get Popular With Trends
- Posting sensibly:
Freedom of speech is a fundamental human right, but with greater freedom comes greater responsibility. Every time you post a status on your wall or comment on someone else’s, you are well aware that it will be read by several people. There will be times when you feel like firing a cannon at someone on social media, but take a minute to think about the consequences. Posting wisely and sensibly on social media will leave no room for regret later. Try to help others by using words of hope and encouragement, and that will give you inner peace too.
- Maintaining important ties:
Social media apps are as much about maintaining important relationships as they are about forming new ones. You can go on befriending new people through online chat applications but what about the friends you already have? It’s more important to water the routes of those few significant bonds rather than creating several more above the ground. The people who have been there for you through thick and thin deserve your time more than some strangers you want to impress. Use social media to make your loved ones feel special by sending them heartwarming wishes and beautiful cards on their birthdays. Others will be more attracted to you when they see how special you make your loved ones feel.
We use only ten percent of our brains and with that, we accomplish so much. It’s empowering just to know how much more we can achieve by tapping into the unused parts of our brain. Social media has contributed a great deal in liberating us, and it seems trivial to think it can have any effect on us other than what we desire for ourselves. The tool was made for men, by men, and so it can be controlled by men. Keep using online chat applications like NEEO to reach across boundaries and remember that your greatest power is that of free will!
