We live in the age of social media. In fact we are so deeply connected to our online presence that sometimes we lose track of time. You may not want to admit it but it is the truth. Checking out your Twitter/Facebook/Google+ feed and posting a selfie on Instagram has been established as a daily activity. Or should I say necessity? Getting caught in the trap can happen to anyone, including myself.
How will you realise that you are addicted?
Check your previous activity and your shared posts. If you start seeing cats everywhere then you are probably addicted to this vast thing called the internet. Jokes aside, if you find yourself refreshing a page until something new pops up, you are addicted.
There is no shame to it, realising the issue is the first step to a possible solution.
Most of the time you use your PC to browse the web or for work related tasks. That is perfectly fine and will probably not cause problems. However when your gaming, listening to music, watching videos and checking social media is bundled all together with the use of your PC then you have a problem. The main point here is that you are focused on one place. Sooner or later you will check your social media and get caught in an endless loop of procrastination.
That can be counter-productive and ironically anti-social at the same time.
If you are working with something that does not require an internet connection then turn off your router! Maybe it is an extreme measure to take, but sacrifices must be made.
You do not access social media only when you have work to do though.
When going out with friends for a coffee or a drink you may feel insecure. That will push you in another endless loop of procrastinating on your safer social media online environment. My advice would be to relax and keep your phone in your pocket, better yet in your bag if you carry one. Talk with your friends and enjoy your drink, there will be plenty of time to surf the internet at home.
Being addicted to your social media can be dangerous.
No, I am not making this a bigger deal than it really is. Checking your social media while driving can be fatal. Do yourself a favour and disable your push or email notifications before a long drive, especially at night.
Some of you may argue that social media is a good thing.
I could not agree with you more. A knife can save lives in the hands of a surgeon, but it can also take lives in the hands of a murderer. Which means social media and the internet can be amazing tools to contact your friends and relatives. It can also alienate you from the outside world and wreck your psychology if used incorrectly. Go out and talk to your friends, take your dog for a walk. Check your twitter feed and post that selfie on Instagram. Just try to find a balance in both your actual and online life.
I want to hear what you have to say. Leave a comment below with your opinion and suggestions.
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