From Facebook to Frustration and Futility

Small, sleek Smartphones has eased human life in many good ways. But, being handy, every now and then we turn our faces and hook up our attention to check any new message or fritter precious time by logging into social media platforms.

Whatever are the reasons for usage of social media, but we humans have become exceedingly addicted to it. Anything in excess beyond our control is all an addiction, and without social media, we even start feeling as if our lives lack learning and luster.

Perhaps, the most popular social media site across the world is Facebook that’s so attractive with its exciting features that everyone enjoys it. But, beyond the limits and with crazy addiction, we are fidgeting ourselves to frustration and futility.

One of my colleagues feels guilty that he is the culprit for his mother’s addiction to Facebook. How’s that? Well, he says that he taught her to keep herself little busy and escape boredom. But, she got herself more into Facebook that she spends sleepless nights either to keep responding to her friends or stay curious to check online content. What then? She goes to bed, at dawn, and sleeps until noon.

To my query, I asked a person who was seated at his workplace chair, with drooping neck and eyes glued to his iPhone screen, “Are you busy with Facebook?” Promptly, with a chuckle, he gave a nod.

“How many Facebook friends you have?” I asked him with little concern.

“Oh, not more, around 500”, said he who spends two-to-three hours a day on Facebook.

Imagine, even at workplaces, people have no time for human interaction and team spirit. But, by keeping themselves busy in the virtual world and engaged with Facebook friends, they have lost the real freedom. Okay, there’s online interaction, but in absence of facial expressions, body language and tone, either there’s reserved immersion or abrupt giggles. And that’s so funny and weird.

If nothing is useful, significant, legitimate and moderate, then what it means to post irrelevant content, text tidbits of gossips or upload vain pictures? Do we have to remain logged in now and then on social media to keep ourselves lively?

With no attention for surroundings and physical activities, perhaps we are straining our faculties to dangerous depression.

Let’s ask ourselves: Are we aptly using technology for our well-being or is technology spoiling us because of our own silly temptations?

Image source: Glasbergen.com – ©Randy Glasbergen