Social media overuse taking its toll on consumers
IT was shocking to learn during an orientation programme for new entrants at a law college in Punjab that students remain occupied on social media (SM) for an average of over seven hours a day, leaving them with little time for sports and other community engagements or personal activities. It is estimated that 65 per cent of the teenagers are hooked on social networking service (SNS) and 72 per cent of them have direct access to the Internet. The number of SM accounts and Internet users has crossed the 100 crore-mark in India. According to Pew Research Centre statistics, 77 per cent of employees admit to using social networking sites while at work.
No one can deny that SM provides people who desire to expand their social networks, promote their businesses or overcome loneliness with an incredible platform. It fosters a feeling of belongingness among those who need company but cannot physically interact with their family members, friends and relatives. SNS also makes for a good pastime and a source of entertainment for all, especially senior citizens. However, overindulgence in SM has a harmful impact on the physical, mental and overall wellbeing of its users.
According to a University of Buffalo study, excessive use of SNS by college students has detrimental effects on their physical health. They have higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a sign of chronic inflammation connected to major diseases like diabetes, malignancies and cardiovascular problems. The new generation addicted to SM is at a high risk of suffering from the ‘blue light effect’, which is produced by the light emanating from electronic devices while in use. It adversely affects the production of the melatonin hormone, which controls the sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythms, resulting in sleeplessness and a weak immunity.
A National Institutes of Health study (2018) at the New York-Presbyterian medical centre reported that children spending more than two hours a day on screen-time activities scored low on language and thinking tests. Some children exposed to the screen daily for more than seven hours experienced thinning of the brain’s cortex, the area related to critical thinking and reasoning.
In 2015, psychologist Marion Underwood and sociologist Robert Faris analysed about 1.5 lakh social media posts from more than 200 students aged 13 years and found that they had created drastically different online personas for themselves. They felt the freedom to do or say whatever they wanted to without any inhibition or fear of consequences or repercussions. Media theorist Douglas Rushkoff calls this phenomenon ‘digiphrenia’, which is “the experience of trying to exist in more than one incarnation of yourself at the same time.”
Studies have established that frequent stimulations received from SM sites shorten the attention span of the users, triggering far-reaching consequences. Such individuals may find it difficult to express themselves clearly, make mistakes as a result of a diminished attention to detail, and perform badly in a variety of settings, such as social situations, at their workplace and at educational institutions.
Comparison is ingrained in human nature. The fake videos, manipulated information, impractical solutions and mischievous prescriptions published on SM are so mesmerising that ill-informed and innocent users start comparing their ‘real life’ with others’ ‘reel life’, leading to self-doubt and making them feel frustrated and depressed.
It is sickening that the rat race to get maximum likes on digital platforms and the quest for creating the best videos and stories have made many gullible individuals share each and every moment of their private life and that of others, allowing an intrusion into their privacy. It is leading to different kinds of behavioural abrasions, relationship discord and social conflicts. Such people do not understand that SM platforms are best meant for impacting people and not for impressing others.
The bombardment of crypted and unverified information on social networking sites is cluttering the users’ minds. It has snatched away from them the joy of being and living in the moment. Moreover, biased SM algorithms passively make the users consume unsuitable content that might lead to moral desensitisation.
An overindulgence in SM leads to psychological disorders; a new class of such victims has already emerged. They can be seen checking their cell phones involuntarily — 79 times a day, according to a study — compelled by the desire to seek screen stimulation. Excessive time spent on networking sites has the potential of dragging such individuals into solitude and loneliness. In the absence of regular face-to-face interactions, humans lose the ability to recognise and respond to facial cues, voice tone and inflection, body language and the warmth of emotions.
The ethical consequences of addiction to SM are far more serious and extend from cyberbullying to privacy violations. Notably, 30 per cent of students in middle and high school are either victims or culprits of cyberbullying; 18 per cent of them are girls. Unfortunately, 15 per cent of the victims of cyberbullying attempt suicide out of depression.
Anonymity on SM often encourages users to post inappropriate material and indulge in cybercrimes. Although the Telecommunications Act, 2023, prescribes duties of the SM users and measures to protect consumers from unauthorised intrusion into their privacy and empowers enforcement agencies to intercept objectionable communication, it is not proving a deterrent in the absence of rules and a lack of awareness among the masses.
Humankind now stands at a critical juncture regarding social media overuse. It must introspect: “Are we using SM or has it started consuming us?” SM should be used with due responsibility.
