Living in a Social Media World

Social media is amazing. Who would have thought that the online world would take over with so many bloggers, vloggers and Instagrammers. There is now an easy way to share your thoughts and photos, and to connect with others all over the world. But sometimes I think because social media has become such a big part of most of our lives, it can become an obsession.

I use Instagram and Facebook. I have a blog. But I do not spend half my life online.

I am always told by freinds that I am never on Facebook or just social media in general, which is true. And it's simply because I don't want to be. I watch girls spend so much time taking the “perfect” Instagram photo or even changing the way they look using apps and it honestly sucks that they even feel the need to do this. Obviously not everybody is like this. But at the same time, a lot of people are.

I am personally thankful that this whole social media/technology thing is quite recent and I still could spend my childhood social media free, running around on the playground, playing tag and cheat, because now looking at the junior school at lunch time I see little kids in groups, huddled around an iPad.

I went through a phase in my life where social media controlled me and it could even determine my mood for the day. I remember constantly refreshing Instagram and Facebook, waiting for a new post. If I couldn't go somewhere I was invited to I would get stressed about all the photo opportunities I'd miss. Seeing a picture of two friends would make my heart drop from fomo (fear of missing out).

And the followings - they have become such a big deal!! It's honestly ridiculous to watch how crazy people have become over getting the likes and followings. I have seen people set a TIMER on their phone for the "perfect time" to post. I'm not that keen on reading tips on how to gain a following because since when did sharing photos for friends or sharing your opinions on your own blog become a numbers game.

So I was once that person who was obsessed with taking photos for Instagram, but it was about early last year where I just stopped caring. I accepted that people can hang out without you. You can hang out without others. I don’t need to take photos every single time I go out. I don't ever feel the need to check Facebook, scroll through my news feed, refresh Instagram, or watch my follower count. And I am much happier than I was back then.

Yes, I do still take photos with the birthday girl, or a group photo before going out, or take a photo of a particulary pretty meal, just like most other people. But when it gets to the point in which you take so many photos that your food goes cold, or you and your friend get in the pool just to take the photo, it makes me think how on earth did we get to this??

Maybe next time see your friend in person instead of just talking online (if it’s possible). And then enjoy the time with your friends instead of spending half the time taking photos. Rather than freak out or be offended every time someone unfollows you, let it go. Who cares. It’s not like you would say hi to them in person anyways.

To sum it all up, I think social media is a phenomenal thing. Just make sure you as an individual don’t let if effect your self-confidence by comparing yourself to others who are “goals” or allow it to suck you into the whole obsession with numbers. Use social media in a positive way, the reason why it was created. It is a platform for anybody to share their ideas and keep in touch with others.

What's the point in showing your life online if it stops you from actually living?

xx

Hannah