Social Media’s Dual Nature: A Personal Reflection on Impact

In a recent personal experience, writer Janine LeGal took a break from social media after battling a severe flu. This unexpected time away prompted her to reflect on the complexities of social media’s role in modern life, revealing both its benefits and drawbacks.

The Struggle with Illness and Social Media

Last month, LeGal was sidelined by a nasty flu, which left her with little energy and forced her to minimize her social media interactions. Previously, she enjoyed perusing her feeds daily, finding inspiration and connection through various posts. However, the flu changed her routine dramatically. Initially, she avoided social media to focus on recovery, using her time for much-needed rest. Upon returning to her social media accounts, she was struck by the negative content that had accumulated in her absence.

She encountered troubling reports of global conflicts, political corruption, and a flood of misinformation. The online environment seemed saturated with arguments, accusations, and opinions that contributed to her feeling unwell once again. A notable trend among her contacts was the divisive posts declaring, “If you support this, then unfriend me.” LeGal expressed her dismay at this mentality, noting that if she unfriended everyone who offended her, she would be left with no friends. Ironically, this led to a significant number of unfriends in response to her post.

Longing for Simplicity and Connection

During a recent visit to a service provider, a much younger staff member remarked that people were better off before social media. This unexpected statement resonated with LeGal, who agreed, realizing that social media often detracts from genuine human connections. The young man’s comment highlighted a growing sentiment that excessive screen time takes away from meaningful interactions with neighbors and friends.

The statistics on screen time reveal a concerning trend, with many individuals unaware of just how much time they spend online daily. While the advantages of social media, such as fostering community support, sharing art, and reconnecting with friends, are undeniable, LeGal recognized the potential dangers. The platforms can become addictive and toxic, leading to negative mental health outcomes and substituting for in-person communication.

The ease of sharing opinions with a vast audience can also lead to serious repercussions. A single impulsive post can result in severe consequences, including job loss or damaged relationships. Reflecting on her years of volunteering with Amnesty International and advocating for political prisoners, LeGal understands the importance of free speech yet acknowledges its limitations in today’s digital landscape.

This duality of social media presents a complex dilemma. On one hand, it provides access to a wealth of information and connectivity. On the other, it is rife with hate speech, misinformation, and a barrage of negative content that can overwhelm users. The ability to find answers to nearly any question is remarkable compared to the days of searching through encyclopedias, yet the cost of this convenience may be too high.

Ultimately, LeGal concluded that her experience with illness served as a necessary reminder to reassess her relationship with social media. While the platforms offer numerous benefits, it is crucial to balance screen time with real-world engagement and prioritize what truly matters in life. This introspection may help others navigate their own complex relationships with social media in a world where digital connectivity often overshadows personal interaction.