Were We Happier Without Social Media?
There is a question that comes and goes in our minds. Were we happier without social media? The truth is, if we reflect on all that we have learned about social media, we could say that they have been, for a while, a very good source of alternative information.
However, the question goes beyond functionality and usefulness. Indeed, we must, with any technological invention that we add to our routine, analyze whether it makes us feel better. We must therefore ask ourselves if it optimizes our relationships, modifies unsuitable routines or if it gives us well-being.
After several years of use, it is worth thinking about everything they have given or stolen from us, all the help they have given us or not, personally and professionally. The answer will be different for each of us. However, reflecting on certain points will help us to give a general answer.
Social networks, stress and frustration
Three billion people, or about 40% of the world’s population, use social media. According to some reports, we spend an average of two hours a day sharing, liking, tweeting and updating information on these platforms.
They play such an important role in our lives that we ask ourselves the following questions: Are we sacrificing our sanity and well-being, as well as our time? What does the research suggest about this?
The feeling of stress
People use social media to let off steam. The downside is that our f eeds often feel like an endless stream of stress. In 2015, researchers at the Washington DC-based Pew Research Center investigated whether social media induces stress.
In the survey of 1,800 people, women were found to be more stressed than men. And Twitter has turned out to be a “major contributor to stress”.
Comparisons and frustration
Let’s think for a moment of the many posts we’ve looked at. Many of them surprised us or affected us negatively. On the other hand, the good news inherent in our life or that of our friends and family is communicated in another way.
So… What are we looking for? Compare us to others? Meet people who are like us?
Comparing yourself to others always leads to frustration. Meeting people who share our ideals is inspiring. But would we really go for coffee with them? The time invested in social networks is much more important than the real and human support in our lives.
Have social networks improved our intimate relationships? Do they help to fight our loneliness?
The purpose of this article, the title of which is an open question, is to invite readers to ask themselves whether social networks, in their particular case, have contributed to their well-being and whether they are observing this improvement in society. in general. After a few years of use, we can observe some indicators.
The answer is radically different from person to person . We still have to ask ourselves if social networks have brought us positive things in our relationships, if they continue to do so and, if not, how to modify or change that.
When we think about improving social relationships, we are referring to increasing the general well-being of a person by maintaining frequent and meaningful relationships.
Intimacy in relationships is reflected in the amount of perceived social support. The feeling of feeling loved and that we can count on different people for different projects makes us happier.
That’s why good relationships involve staying in touch, talking face to face, not taking things for granted, and listening to yourself. Social media has, however, given us a false sense of familiarity and contact with others where it seems like we don’t have to put in the effort to get to know each other.
Loss of naturalness and feeling of loneliness
Everyone exposes what they want on their profiles, and we remember that. Part of the magic of looks, manias and visible connections has been lost. Small details are missing. and prefabricated perfection seems to tire us more and more.
Moreover, a fluid relationship on networks does not translate into a genuine interest in the other in real life. We miss people who are not perfect on social media, namely those natural people who greet us with a smile.
Never before have entertainment and dopamine been available so quickly. However, it seems that over the years, the time one invests in social networks is not proportional to the emotional benefits they can bring.
The documentary The Social Media Dilemma already explained it to us: we have mortgaged a more pleasant life of extended release for continuous doses of dopamine that trap and distract us. And you, what do you think? C onfond ez you satisfaction with small doses with the long-term satisfaction?
Our thoughts Body image of oneself seems more and more disconnected from reality with the massive use of social networks.
