The Power of Social Media: Misused, Abused or Purposefully Used?

If everyone starts using social media responsibly, it won't carry the stigma it does now.

“My life isn’t that happening,” my friend remarked casually during a recent conversation about social media. She said it in reference to her Facebook account, which she only uses sporadically. Her comment sparked a series of dynamic thoughts in my mind.

In today’s age, social media has brought the world closer than it ever was. Long lost friends, both near and far, are in daily contact. Individuals are exposed to a vast amount of information to pick and choose from—knowledge, in any form, is just a click away. And yet, there is a section of people who choose to stay away from active networking or creating public profiles on popular social media.

Extensive users of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter update regular posts, tweets, and pictures. The tendency to do so is more common during parties, dinner outings, or movie screenings when the zealous bug in them is busy clicking glamorous selfies, or group pictures, and posting them. People even go to the lengths of listing minute details of their life such as their new, branded shopping items or the minute-by-minute routine of their newborn. Others write lengthy posts about their feelings for the person they live under the same roof with. Others upload exotic vacation pictures or continuously input data of their myriad activities. It may all be well for these enthusiastic elites, but for others in their friend circle with nothing to contribute from their normal self-satisfactory routine, news feeds start to get boring or redundant pretty soon. Or worse yet, suddenly one’s own life seems to feel too uneventful, especially when the comparisons begin.

Social media derives its flavors and fun in the medium of expression it provides to diasporic populations and in connecting like-minded individuals. However, at times, the use of these virtual platforms exceeds realms of social awareness leading to gross misuse. People seem to forget its very purpose: bringing masses together, be it friends, family or society at large.

Misunderstandings over inappropriate comments, not getting any likes or comments on posts/pictures, ignoring select people (or preferring certain people over others), opining too quickly, making unjust remarks under the privilege of freedom of speech, and unlawful mob judgments are just some of the evils that have defeated the very existence of social media. These can become the reasons friends and families become distant from one another and people are at each other’s throats over controversial social issues.

As if the misuse wasn’t enough, social media abuse has conquered new heights, sometimes even leading to mental health issues—this has turned away many of its most frequent, or even early, users. Overuse of social media makes a person addictive and restless, and can even lower self-esteem as comparisons with others increase. The worse condition it leads to is “fear of missing out” (FOMO), where a person desires to continually stay connected with what others are doing because they are fearful of missing out on a novel opportunity for social interaction. Invasion of privacy and cyber-bullying are other major vices accompanying social media abuse.

Despite its many flaws, social media has become an inevitable part of the mainstream population. This is often why when people choose to stay away from it, they can begin to clueless about current hot button issues—which can, again, lead to anxiety and depression.

So, why can’t we be the masters of our own minds? Instead of shunning away a present that can make our future better, we must learn to use it to our benefit. Those who shy away from the superficial glitz and glamor of social media need not participate in that aspect of it at all except for staying connected. Just remember, what you perceive need not be what you seek.

Social media also has the potential to be inspiring and purposeful. Various blogs on Facebook share inspiring stories of humble people who have amazed masses with their sheer willpower. Some posts may encourage one to hone up that once forgotten athletic skill of running or initiate one to take up the challenge of running a 5k. Instagram and Pinterest have directed thousands of novices in the right direction to follow-up on their creative pursuits of photography, cooking, interior decoration, makeup skills and so on. YouTube videos may rekindle one’s passion for dancing or singing.

Arts and culture have crossed boundaries, providing every aficionado a comfortable haven to showcase their talent. Millions have taken up writing thanks to social media and its reading connoisseurs, while others have found jobs worth their capability after setting up LinkedIn profiles and expanding their global connection network. A certain charity organization might even strike a chord within someone and set them on a lifetime journey of fulfillment.

Social media and its contribution to bringing humanity together is beyond words. Time and again, people worldwide have caste aside their religious, social, political differences thanks to social media—this was most recently seen during tragedies like the Paris attacks and Chennai floods. Platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Google+, and Twitter connected people to each other faster, brought help sooner, and let the world know about social strength. Social media supersedes all its vices in the hope it gives the world for a better tomorrow; indeed, this is the main purpose of social media.

If everyone starts using social media responsibly, it won’t carry the stigma it does now. It will not only help keep young teenages safe, but will also be useful for sharing postive messages and visions. Social media should be about connecting people, not harboring negative feelings of hatred or jealousy for others, and certainly not dividing communities. Share your joy but be wise about it—once in a while, be sensitive enough to share something that can benefit society too.

Social media is not always about showing off one’s status, money or an active life. One should find inspiration on it, or perhaps a shared interest with someone to talk about with, or even gather information with the intention of updating one’s knowledge. If used sensibly, irrespective of one’s personal life choices, it can aid anyone from an over-enthusiast to a socially shy person. Social media is a support system that should be put to a purposeful use by a controlled mind to enhance one’s lifestyle and enrich it with wisdom.