One of my biggest pet peeves: when people are consumed with their phones in group settings.

Too often when I go out to dinner with my friends, at least half of the group is on their phone before the drinks even get to the table. They could be texting their boyfriend or commenting on their friends’ Instagram posts, but regardless of the reason, it makes me feel like my presence just isn’t enough for them. Attempting to talk to them while they’re consumed by the tunnel vision of their dimly lit screen feels like a half-hearted conversation, so I stop trying after a while. I’ll be honest — I catch myself picking my phone out of my pocket to scroll through my social media feeds, but only when I feel like it’s appropriate. If I sense having my phone out is killing the overall vibe of the company around me, I’ll make sure to keep it away. Our increased fascination with the online world can be a great tool. However, it’s important to find a balance between our “online” life and the life we are living.

Social media has fostered a new era of connectedness. People from all over the world can talk in real time and develop connections that would not have been possible without the social platforms we have today. Furthermore, it provides a priceless method for solving problems. For example, students from the U.S. who are passionate about improving human rights can connect with like-minded students across the world to share ideas and experiences.

Reality vs. Online “Reality”
Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat can be misleading. Most of the pictures that people post only portray the positive parts of their lives. Being constantly exposed to the exciting, beautiful moments of other people’s lives can be discouraging and even depressing. It makes it more difficult for people to find moments of happiness in their own lives and to be content with how they are living. At the same time, it can motivate people to do more so they can live (and post) their own satisfying experiences. I call this the social media paradigm. All of these apps simultaneously connect and disconnect us.

When I scroll through my Instagram feed, I see photos of Hawaiian beaches, hikers on beautiful trails, deliciously healthy bowls of food, as well as tons of stylish clothing companies. However, when I think about how mundane, and redundant my life looks like (sitting up in my bed, in pajamas for the most part), I occasionally catch myself feeling like I’m not living my life to it’s fullest potential or hustling like the people I look up to. This is one of the biggest issues young people, and even adults, face when constantly browsing social media. It’s important to realize that you have the power to change all of that. And also that social media is a person’s highlight reel; not an actual depiction of their everyday life.

All About Balance
All things considered, the solution is not about cancelling our Facebook accounts, signing out of Twitter, and deleting our Instagram profiles because, as I said, there are huge advantages to maintaining a social media presence. If we abandoned social media entirely, I wouldn’t be able to share this message with you right now. However, we must learn how to navigate the online world in a way that will benefit us most. It’s crucial to be critical of what you see online. Do your research to realize what’s real and what’s fake. Find reliable news sources and follow people that you can connect with further than the superficial level. Also, understand that the most memorable experiences are those which occur in real life. You might miss out on something great trying to capture something for social media.

Reconnect With Real Life!
– Consequently, I’ve found talking to friends about the role of social media in our personal/professional lives and relationships leads to a great conversation.
– Observe how often friends or family are on their phones. What about you?
– When you’re in a group setting, try to be 100% involved in the conversations. You don’t always have to be conversing. Listening is just as important.
– Get outside, read a book, walk your dog! Take a break from social media and find activities that you love. Enjoy your life without documenting it!

Stay tuned for my second social media part tomorrow! I’ll be talking about the growth and use of social media in the professional world today.

By the way — here’s a song that totally relates to this topic!
KYLE – Just A Picture ft. Kehlani
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAmkHypH_-A