Social Media – Friend or Foe?

Are you one of those people who, like, spends multiple hours a day watching Instagram and TikTok? Same lol! Social media has become like totally a part of our lives now. It can be great, yet it can also not be so great. Okay, let’s get to the point and explore the advantages and disadvantages of social media platforms!

Photo by Sara Kurfeb from unsplash

The Good Stuff

Of course, social media can be funsies! We get to know what our friends are doing, post some jokes, watch some funny videos and simply relax. It’s a form of escapism from school or work. Self-care, am I right? We can also meet new people here and make friends though, I found some of my best friends in a groups about things I am interested in like makeup and music.

Something good is that it keeps us connected. But if we can’t meet up and hang out, we can always text, comment, like posts and it feels like we are together virtually. When no one could hang out during the pandemic, social media thankfully came to the rescue. Now that's something to consider.

We can also learn stuff! From learning tricks on Instagram to following the latest events on Twitter, or even doing homework in a group, social media has us covered. And we can join communities about stuff we care about, and make a difference.

The Not So Good

However, social media also has a darker side - it is not all about pictures and narratives! It can make us feel so unwanted and this can sometimes make us feel so bad about ourselves. When making the comparison, the feeling of missing out is likely to arise from persons who are portraying a perfect lifestyle on social media. Why don’t I look like that influencer? Oh, Delete, how I wish I could have that ice cream right now.

There is also the problem of cyberbullying. It really sucks when trolls come to your page to criticize and post nasty comments. No one should have to go through that!

Just as too much social media is not good for us either. Spending hours on social media consumes a lot of time, time that could otherwise be spent in engaging in healthy routines and interacting with people, face-to-face. We can get addicted too! As per the FOMO theory, people keep on checking the applications they use in order not to miss out something important. Stop sitting there with your phone and get outside, girl!

The Tea

In this case, is social media a fun best friend or more of a ‘frenemy’? Something of both, actually. When used constructively, it unites us and gives happiness. But we gotta set boundaries and limits too. It is all about moderation and getting the balance right.

Lastly, always prioritize your own real life experiences and your family and friends. Do not measure yourself with anyone on social media or any other platform! And if social media ever bring you down, remember to say bye Felicia! Go ahead and log off and do something that makes you happy and that you enjoy. Treat yourself!

What do you think – is social media a BFF or a frenemy in your life? Pour out that tea in the comments!

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