In this age of technology, social media has become a way of life in one’s life for everyone, especially among the youth. Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, to mention but a few, present limitless content so that users have the feeling of being with friends and strangers. While these pages are entertaining and full of information, they also carry problematic problems that will hinder personal growth and waste time. The youth, and the public in general, need to understand just how crucial it is to curtail social media usage and focus on personal growth and productive learning experiences.
Social media has a very compelling appeal. Consumers can enter a whole world of entertainment, news, and social interaction with a few mouse clicks. Convenience is usually at a cost. Hours slip away as one scrolls through streams, watching videos and engaging in discussions that, while enjoyable, are shallow and unfulfilling. This time is better spent on activities that contribute to personal growth, such as reading, hobbying, or exercising the body. By restricting the time on social media in particular, those hours can be regained and that energy channelled to other productive endeavours.
In addition, social media places one in a state of comparison. Users compare their value to the value of other individuals’ well-organised lives, have low self-esteem, and feel inferior. Such comparison destroys creativity and uniqueness since one must conform to something. Stepping away from social media helps people develop a stronger sense of self-based on personal strength and passion. This mindset shift enables one to live life more genuinely, with personal accomplishments being the focus and not marred by the perceived accomplishments of others.
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In addition to supporting individual growth, social media limitations can enhance learning opportunities. The disruption that comes with repeated notifications and the need to read updates tends to disrupt concentration, making it impossible to engage in issues requiring deep thought and attention. When individuals curtail social media usage, they make their lives more conducive to learning. Whether learning to take exams, acquiring new competencies, or creating literary composition, having the capacity to focus without social media’s attention-fragmenting distractions can result in increased productivity and success.
Moreover, social media preponderantly releases data in clipped sections, so much so that it is challenging to get captivated by any worthwhile extent. A majority of the users look at headlines and short posts while ignoring the finer points of intricately involved subjects. Conversely, reading books, articles, and documentaries on education ensures better comprehension of issues. Apart from enabling a person to be more aware, one is likely to enhance thinking. With regard to concentration on learning instead of scrolling blindly, individuals can enjoy a more informed mind towards the events that unfold in the world.
Authentic connection
A second significant element of minimising social media is the chance for authentic connection. Social media makes communication possible, but it’s generally less genuine than face-to-face interaction. Less time spent on social media implies people can put time into genuine relationships and form stronger bonds with their friends and loved ones. Actual conversations, community activities, and time with friends and family give rise to emotional well-being and inner happiness. These experiences are invaluable and most likely lead to a more fulfilling life.
While the world struggles with its problems of the contemporary world, there is a need for the general population and the young to see the importance of balance in accessing social media. The benefits of limiting engagement on these sites are numerous, far greater than even the most obvious time-saving benefit. In prioritising self-development, establishing beneficial relationships, and establishing learning spaces, a more efficient and more fulfilling life is possible.
In short, social media is undoubtedly a positive thing, but the potential negatives cannot be dismissed. By consciously limiting time on these sites, time can be redirected towards self-improvement, actual relationships, and more learning. As the world becomes more interconnected via technology, a balanced approach will ultimately lead to a more authentic and rewarding life. Our journey of self-enhancement starts from what we decide today, and valuing the worth of our time is a very important step towards that.
Tonny Kyule Nyamai,
Student in the communication, journalism and media studies department at Rongo University, Migori County.
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