I was reading an article by Brianna Wiest about a life-altering question that can make one rediscover their priorities. There is a point which I would like to echo out, in which she remarked about what decisions one might do should they were given the chance to be free from outside influences.
The one thing that came to my mind was the constant influx of noises from our smartphones. We are physically being bombarded by data and info-graphics that divert our attention away from the main question.
It makes me wonder on how my life would turn out to be without the existence of social media, say if I was born a generation earlier?
Or perhaps a generation later where we assume socialising has leapt to a predictive AI stage, where information is continually spoon-fed merely by a thought?
Our situation right now
Our generation falls victim to becoming obsessively reliant with our mobile phones. We often forget that our devices are merely tools to assist for communication, and does not replace the primary connection with one another.
The trap of technological conveniences has misled us to adopt a passive approach of receiving any status updates from our friends via social media, in favour of an active approach to maintain friendships.
After all, one might question, “Why take the extra effort when you can keep in touch with your folks virtually?”
Nowadays, getting updates through face-to-face interactions are considered passé.
A life without social media
It has been close to a week since I use Instagram. Come to think of it, the initial, insecure feeling of FOMO (fear of missing out) has led me to think that I might have missed out on important updates from my friends.
I met up with my friends yesterday over dinner. It has been a while since we had some quality time over Steamboat. The waves of laughter, sharing of our past memories and the emotional connections are all that is missing from social media.
I think life would be more authentic without social media. While they have a part in our modern society, it cannot replace our need for physical connection.
At least, not for now.
Conveniences, sometimes doesn’t necessarily know what’s best for us.
Thank you for reading! Tap the clap if you like it!
