The global need to interact and stay connected is a big part of our daily lives, but like all things, has it’s positives and negatives. Consider the influencing roles that Facebook plays in today’s society and we can begin to realize how truly depressing some of our online activities can be. Although social media isn’t necessarily bad, it can have devastating effects on our mental state of mind according to an article known as “How Facebook Makes Us Unhappy” by Maria Konnikova. It’s time to explore the deep connected world of social media and find the effects it has on society as a whole.
Social media tends to allow users to have better access to their friends and family, but this also increases the need for attention which often results in posts and/or photos that many would prefer to as foolish. The primary problem with Facebook and other social media websites, is the increasing amount of drama and attention seekers. Why would someone want to put a photo of themselves on Facebook, holding a bottle of vodka, smoking a bong, and begging for likes? Or even making statuses where they are intentionally trying to start arguments? It doesn’t make sense in the real world. Reason being, when they’re publicly expressing their desire for drugs and/or alcohol, for their family, friends, and some creep from another country to see, it can get them into serious emotional, legal, and monetary problems. Most people, it is assumed, would prefer to avoid that. Those who don’t end up “ruining their lives”. Although in the world of social media, if it’s somewhat important, to gain likes (basically attention), people will post pretty well anything.
Sometimes, social networking can be too addicting and may cause a society to become too network minded. In a world where social networking websites achieve hundreds of millions of users, it’s bound to become part of everyone’s daily life. However, when people become hooked on it, they start to lose the treasured communication of face-to-face conversation. People start missing out on this, which starts to reduce their verbal communication skills and their appreciation for the beautiful nature that the world provides humanity. They are too worried about the latest tweet from a celebrity, or the latest Facebook argument about John’s relationship problems. Overall, this constant state of mind and need to feel connecting can be hard on the brain due to the intense multi tasking and constant flow of information which can lead to stress. Although this can be a useful tool to humanity, sometimes the addicting smartphone needs to go away to appreciate life at it’s fullest.
Overall, the article was a very entertaining read and really acts as a true wake up call to the better things humanity could be doing with the time that they have. If more people realized that Facebook and social media isn’t always good to have 24 hours a day, maybe society would be happier and less stressful. By far, humans have a long way to go to perfect the art of balancing communication and happiness, and this article proves it.
Thomas Burleigh 