Social Media Detox – Need of the Hour

By Dr. Kulpreet Kaur

In order to keep up with the pace of changing scenario with pervasive technology, not just youngsters but even the older generation has fallen victim to social media.

“Six Degrees” was the first social media site created in 1997. Within two decades of its creation, social media has become an inextricable part of our lives. Aristotle’s view of man as a social being is once again being reiterated by current statistics which states that there are currently around 258.27 million social network users in India with most popular being YouTube and Facebook, followed by WhatsApp. Facebook is estimated to reach close to 319 million users in India by 2021.

Almost every Indian is a member of one or the other or more social networking sites. Social media fulfils one of the primary need for love and belongingness. Expression through the virtual world of blogs and reviews too realizes the need for self-esteem. It is an effective marketing tool for institutions, corporates, entrepreneurs, NGOs, etc. Any challenge and campaign can be ignited with just a simple click of a button and rage spreads like forest fire that generally fathoms out two groups, one with general compliance towards the revolution and the other against it.

The current world of pervasive technology has not only affected the young generation but to keep up with the pace of changing scenario, even the older generation has fallen victim to social media. How many of us reach out to our phones as the first thing in the morning and get frustrated at not finding it at desired place? An answer to this question will give you an estimation of the high level of dependence bordering on social media. Though social media is undoubtedly life’s game changer with boundless positive possibilities yet all this is offset by various negative physiological, mental and emotional impact that can turn out to be traumatic and at times fatal.

Newspapers worldwide have been reporting several cases of youth being intrigued to virtual world to an extent of ending their lives in a seemingly futile tragedy. This kind of obsessive behaviour which is ignited by the over dependence on gaming culture is extremely dangerous to the young vulnerable minds. Not only an obsession with Selfie’s but Kiki and Momo challenges also have claimed lives due to sheer dependence on others for self-assurance and need to be at the centre of attention among the virtual peers. Since, people build their own virtual persona through social media and their happiness is linked to the appreciation that they receive from their virtual peers, they are left with virtually none in reality that one can count upon in the real life decisions. Thus, end up being utterly despondent, despairing & helpless in the existent world.

Not only lifestyle diseases but retarded functionality, poor grades and unsuccessful relationships are the baneful ramifications of social media dependence. Reduced productivity due to frequent browsing of the internet, email, social media or games devours work or school time causing productivity to suffer. In the quest of remaining updated, fear of missing out(FOMO) has been subconsciously preying upon the minds of youngsters much like a suspended sword. Individuals addicted to the internet spend lesser time being outdoors and do not interact with friends or family which impacts their health. Lost in the world of browsing, they do not have any track of the time elapsed and to overcome the anxiety of unfinished work, defence to escapism develops leading to depression with the thought of being left behind in the ever fast moving and progressive world. Onset of virtual relationships and sharing of explicit information has led to rise in the cases of privacy invasion, leakage of personal information, cyber bullying, online harassment and trolling adding to further atrocities.

Social media has not only affected the individual culture but the group dynamics too. There are times when companies face a scenario where petulant employees defame the company’s name and negatively portray brands, companies, celebrities as well as members of general public. Social media has made the world shrink by allowing mass cultural exchange and intercultural communication giving itself an easy platform for exchanging religious and cultural beliefs. When these beliefs clash, the consequences are unpleasant leading to heinous riots, destructive rallies and other massive repercussions that at times have no verifiable base and unjustified.

Responsible use of any discovery or invention is a hallmark of a progressive society. The first step towards the solution to any challenge is the timely acceptance of the problem. Living for the moment, reconnecting to the world, conquering FOMO, and delinking the feeling of virtual competiveness can elate the mood and all round mental well-being. Social media Detox will be the next prerogative of psychologists.

Social media and communication can be a boon if it is tamed to save lives, to spread a kindly word, to seek help, inform and keep abreast of worldly events.

About the Author:

Dr. Kulpreet Kaur is Assistant Professor at Jindal Global Business School, Fellow (JIBS), Assistant Director CLC (JIBS). She holds an MA (Clinical Psychology), Ph.D (Social Psychology), B.Ed, PGDPR(Public Relations) and GCCC (Career Counselling).

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