The moment i drive out of my home to start my day, I see nine out of ten people on the road, male, female, young and old on foot or on bikes or driving vehicles, busy on their cell phones, often smiling, laughing and conversing loudly oblivious of their surroundings. In addition to that others are found surfing net so as not to miss anything whether it concerns them or not.
Dr. Munawar Aziz
Often I see a slow moving car with a long trail of cars behind anxious to overtake but cannot because of an oncoming traffic, at last after a long wait when you get a chance to overtake, you find the driver busy watching some video on cell phone or texting or either busy conversing on phone without any regard to a long trail of cars behind and an empty lane in front! Although traffic rule in one sentence is “to facilitate others” but here in our land of pure, it is “to tease others”!
Smart phones are an asset to own provided this useful device is used to learn and to learn different techniques related to your subject. In good old days one had to consult various books from different libraries or to spend extra time to learn various procedures in medical field or for that matter any field but now it is a matter of touch and the whole sea of information is in front of your eyes. But it is a big if, IF you use it constructively not wasting time on social media outlets where often fake news and totally misleading information is shared.
“Social media disease” refers to the negative psychological and societal impacts of excessive social media use. While social platforms have revolutionized communication, they also foster environments where users can experience anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy. The constant exposure to often idealized versions of others’ lives can lead to unrealistic comparisons, lowering self-esteem.
Moreover, social media amplifies the spread of misinformation, polarizing communities and straining relationships. Cyberbullying is another facet of this “disease,” where anonymity emboldens harmful behaviour, particularly among younger users. The pursuit of validation through likes and shares can become addictive, leading to compulsive behavior and a loss of real-life social connections.
This phenomenon also impacts physical health. Prolonged screen time disrupts sleep patterns and can contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, leading to a range of health issues, including obesity and poor posture. The fear of missing out (FOMO) keeps users glued to their screens, exacerbating these problems.
In conclusion, while social media offers significant benefits, the “social media disease” highlights the importance of mindful usage. Striking a balance between online engagement and offline life is crucial to maintaining mental and physical well-being.
A very useful tool for students, teachers and professionals of various fields providing an opportunity to learn religion, medicine, art, science, languages, you name a subject and it is there waiting for you to explore.
- Dr. Munawar Aziz
Abbottabad, Pakistan.
aziz.munawar@gmail.com
