Since its creation social media has grasped the time and attention of millions of people all over the world. It has connected people across the country to each other and kept people updated with what's going on all around the world.
Whether on a train, plane or taxi cab people are most likely on their phone and nine times out of ten their on social media. People could be at a wedding recording videos on Snapchat, at a family reunion taking pictures for Facebook or on Instagram live at their graduation. Whichever situation they make time for social media.
Social media is like a double-edged sword. Although it has its charming pros like business opportunities, entertainment and access to new friends, it also has its cons as well. Some of these cons can cause detrimental outcomes to social media users.
Initially I didn't recognize major cons with social media until I read the article "20 Social Media Problem and Solutions in Society Today". Some of the cons listed that many people face based on the article are, neglecting family and responsibilities, reducing attention span, wasting time on social media, lack of focus and productivity, and seeking validation just to name a few. All of which I can relate to.
Typically people aren't aware of certain issues until they come face forward with it. After reading this article I've come to realize my own cons with social media. The major ones for me personally are neglecting family members and responsibilities, lack of focus and productivity and seeking validation.
I've noticed that I could be at an important or major family function but consistently pull out my phone to be on social media. Rather than fully enjoy the opportunity of being with my family, that I don't see everyday, I record things just for Snapchat. My family told me multiple times, "Rabia get off that phone and enjoy yourself!"
To be honest, I got distracted multiple times writing this blog post because I was taking a social media break. I procrastinate a lot and in doing so, I end up on social media scrolling way longer than I should. As a result of that, task I could have done ahead of time or on time gets delayed.
Checking to see how many likes and shares I get on pictures and how much views I get on content videos is another problem. Though it may sound like a normal thing to do, I consistently check like every five minutes which is bizarre. I ponder on how come work that other people do of lesser value (in my opinion) gets way better likes, shares, views, and feedback than I do.
Even though these are all cons that many people face, it doesn't mean it's a problem that can't be fixed. Social media is great to have and use, it only becomes a problem if you make it one. Our way of maintaining control is how we use it. So it's your choice if you get social media success or sorrow.
