Social media has become as integral a part of our lives as eating and drinking, and if that’s not a sign of how unhealthy this addiction has become, we don’t know what is. If you’re going out, you put up stories; if it’s raining too much, you put up a post; you’re eating something new, you take a billion pictures to post, and so on and so forth. We know that this social media-dependent lifestyle doesn’t seem out-of-the-ordinary anymore because it’s how everyone lives. But that doesn’t mean it’s okay, or that we should continue on this vein of becoming more and more dependent on virtual gratification.
While we can’t pinpoint when we started living more for likes and comments, versus actually enjoying things in the moment, we can make a change now, before it’s too late. We’re not saying you need to completely give up on social media, but maybe taking a break or reducing the number of platforms you use or posts you put up, can be a good start. So, if you see any of these signs, you should know it’s time to sever your ties with social media.
People on the interweb know more about your life than those closest to you
If you ever get to a place where your social media followers know more about the ins and outs of your life than your family, friends or significant other, then it’s time to make a change. You may not think there’s anything wrong until it affects your relationship with the real people around you. So, don’t let that it get to that point.
You go to unbelievable lengths, just to get the perfect picture
We all take numerous pictures until we find the one that is perfect to post on social media, and that’s okay if it happens once in a while. But if you find yourself going to bizarre lengths to click a picture to post on Instagram — for example, taking a selfie right before you bungee jump or signing up for something just so you can get a picture out of it — you know there’s something wrong.
Your instant reflex at all times is to check social media
Whether you’re sitting in a waiting room at the doctor’s or even out for dinner with your friends, if your first reaction is to check social media updates, you have a problem. It’s not normal, not to mention rude, for you to constantly turn to social media, especially when you’re around people; and it’s a definite sign that you’re far too dependent on social media.
Social outings in your life are more like social media outings
Any plan that involves you interacting with other real human beings needs to be broadcast across your various social media platforms, because if it’s not on social media, it didn’t happen, right? Wrong. Get this warped idea out of your head and truly enjoy the moments you’re part of, with the people who truly matter to you. Stop living your life longing for appreciation from virtual strangers.
You can chronologically list out what’s been going on in your favourite celebrities’ lives
It’s okay to scroll through the Instagram feed of your favourite celebs. But if you can know what Katrina Kaif is eating for breakfast, lunch and dinner; or every detail of Zac Efron’s vacation, you’re spending too much time on social media. It’s a good time to take that break now.
Your daily life is affected far too much by social media happenings
If not getting enough likes or comments on a post, or seeing a post that you don’t like, sends you down an emotionally unstable spiral, that’s not okay. You will never be able to disconnect yourself from the virtual world if this is how much it affects you — take some time out, now.
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