Scrolling Through Life: Are We Missing Out on Real Connections?

Recently I watched a reel on Instagram which truly made my mind rethink. I don’t recall the man who created that reel but anyway, he showed a good message to everyone. It was just he showed first using Apple Vision Pro Using it, watching movies, and crickets Alone, In the next scene he showed having 3 of his family members around him who just scrolling through their phones without talking to each other everyone is busy with their digital world then on next scene he showed Having more than 3 members of his watching a movie all together which was a good one and reminded me of my family times. They were all happy, watching the movie, making some comments on it, sharing and eating popcorn. In the next clip, he surprised me that was even before the TV, The time everyone made to spend with their family was never counted because they couldn’t at that time. It’s just a video from the present to the past but Indirectly he showed the future too, everyone can feel it.

It made me think, where is everyone rushing? , is social media controlling everyone?

Let me give you another example which I felt. 5 or 8 years before the information we had on the world was very little but the information we had about our neighbourhood was good because of our communication between people. To get that information we would need to walk outside, spend some time with friends, talk with family members take a travel, etc. But today we have a bit-sized information that is even difficult for our brain to cope with. While sitting in our home we can see what the world is doing with just one click. It’s amazing how technologies have grown right? sorry to mention from now on we don’t even need to click it we can select by our eye(talking about Vision Pro).

The problem is we are collecting huge data which even we don’t want. Because of that much chunk of data our brain is getting frustrated to filter out the information we need.

I am not saying not to use any tech stuffs, even now I am writing in this platform which offers a lot of resources to learn and engage. But What I mean is using it in correct way. We all are concerned about growing our social media accounts by posting what is trend and some of them offers their 24-hour live feed on social media accounts(Which I do not understand even now😅😂).

“The more connected we are, the more isolated we become. “ — Sherry Turkle

Let me give you some tips which I feel to use it better:

• Set boundaries. Decide how much time you want to spend online each day and stick to it. Turn off notifications when you’re not using social media, and put your phone away in designated areas, like your bedroom or the dinner table. which in my case was very useful.
• Be mindful of what you consume. There would be times when social media forces us to get interested in something. Always be honest to your self and understand what you are consuming. Just ask, will it give me any benefit?
• Follow inspiring accounts. Fill your social media feed with positive and uplifting content that motivates and inspires you.
• Engage in meaningful interactions. Don’t just passively scroll through social media. Like and comment on posts that resonate with you, and have meaningful conversations with your online connections.
• Use the internet for learning. There are endless resources available online to learn new things, from educational courses and tutorials to articles and documentaries.
• Connect with loved ones in real life. Don’t let social media replace your face-to-face interactions with friends and family. Make time for activities that allow you to connect with them in person.
• Be mindful of your privacy. Be careful about what personal information you share online, and be aware of the privacy settings on the social media platforms you use.
• Take breaks from technology. Schedule regular breaks from your devices, and give yourself time to disconnect and recharge.
• Focus on the present moment. When you’re spending time with loved ones, enjoying a hobby, or simply relaxing, be present in the moment and avoid the temptation to check your phone or social media.

Anyway, I wish you all good luck and don’t let anyone control you. Be focused, and be aware of yourself. That’s all. Thank you for reading. Please comment if you have any suggestions for the world.