It is very common for us to check our social media right after waking up. Social media is playing a dangerous role in human lives; its impact is stronger on young people and teenagers. Even children under the age of ten are suffering from addiction to social media. Social media contains so much negative energy that it plays a significant role in affecting people’s social and personal space.
An experiment was carried out to assess the impact of social media on students.
A study was conducted in Japan with two groups of five students each. Both groups received the same nutrition, books, and study materials; however, only group A was given access to social media, while group B was not involved in social media.
After 30 days, the students took an exam for which they had been preparing over the past month. The results were shocking. Group A students suffered from eyesight problems, memory issues, and poor performance, whereas group B excelled in their exams and appeared more energetic than group A.
- Social media can influence our lives by intensifying feelings of anxiety, stress, depression, loneliness, and FOMO (fear of missing out).
Today, we are so engrossed in apps like Instagram, Facebook, X, and Pinterest that we often compare ourselves to people who may not even exist or are perfectly AI-edited images. The lives we see on social media are often fake, leading us to feel insecure about our bodies, careers, and achievements.
- Sleep disturbances are very common.
Many people disrupt their sleep cycles by focusing on screens and notifications from social media apps. This can lead to memory loss, fatigue, and various mental and physical health problems. Some people are so addicted that they struggle to resist checking their favorite apps.
- Building new online friends and replacing in-person connections.
Social media connects people from around the world, but it can also have negative effects by replacing face-to-face interactions. This replacement of real-life connections can harm relationships, as people may feel neglected or ignored.
- Cyberbullying and harassment can have severe impacts.
A study conducted in the United States showed that 44% of people reported experiencing cyberbullying. Some individuals become so distressed by online harassment that they resort to self-harm or even suicide.
How Can You Actually Control This Addiction?
- Spend more time with offline friends.
Spending time with loved ones can be very helpful, as it reduces the need to be on social media constantly. - Engage in your hobbies.
Hobbies are helpful because they keep you occupied when you are free. You can also play games such as carrom, Ludo, etc. - Listen to positive teachings.
In today’s generation, Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj is considered a true spiritual leader. Listening to his sermons (satsang) can provide insight into the mysteries of the universe and help reduce social media dependency.
Conclusion
It is crucial to manage our addiction to social media. Life has become confined to screens, but we have many other fulfilling activities that can help us control this habit. Although social media offers the advantage of easy communication, it can lead to serious issues. In the refuge of Almighty God, nothing can harm us, and true guidance can help us overcome any problem.
You can subscribe to the Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj YouTube channel for more information.