Okay, you’re sitting (or hopefully standing, it’s healthier) behind your desk at work, waiting and hoping for someone to like or comment on the hilarious video you posted this morning. You’ve looked at your phone at least 100 times since getting to work ten minutes ago.
The more time that passes, the more anxious you become. You start to feel down because not one-person cares about your post.
You begin to question yourself: “Why doesn’t anyone care? Did I post it too early this morning? That’s it! People were sleeping when I posted it. I’ll just wait for those lazy bums to wake up.” Five minutes later… “Nothing?! UGH! Maybe I should delete it and repost!
Finally, your supervisor comes in and asks you about that project you were assigned last week. Only then do you put your phone on your lap. As they talk, you’re only half-listening, as you’re waiting for the sweet sound of validation, in the form of a ding. If you’ve ever done any of this obsessive, ‘anti-social’ media behavior, you’re not alone…or are you?
False sense of connection with others
The social media boom has made it easier for businesses to stay in touch with their consumer as well as stay in touch with friends and family in real-time, but are we getting the whole story? We think, because we see what Aunt Mary had for breakfast, or what our friend Joe is up to, that we really know what’s going on with them. In actuality, people typically only post the aspects of their lives that they want others to see; their public image.
This gives us a false sense of our connection with others. We’re telling ourselves that we’re checking on our loved ones, but are we really just duping ourselves into thinking we’re connecting? We need to be able to distinguish between meaningful relationships and those created online. Face it, who’s with you when you’re typing on that keyboard or staring at that screen? No one; you’re alone!
Depression and anxiety
According to a study posted in Psychiatric News, the more time we spend on social media, the more depressed and anxious we can become. Why is this? It’s not only because, as previously stated, we’re not truly connecting, but also because we’re constantly comparing our lives to the lives of others.
More importantly, in a study conducted by the University of Maryland, it was revealed that the average American spends nearly one quarter of their workday browsing social media, for non-work-related activities, which is leading to decreased productivity at work. Think of the amount of work that could be completed in all that time!
Social Media doesn’t have to ruin your life
Just remember these three things: 1.) Don’t let social media take the place of real-life relationships. Use it as a fun tool to see what everyone is up to, not instead of speaking with them. Go out and enjoy life first-hand, not through a screen. 2.) Realize that you’re only seeing what others want you to see. Their lives may not be, and probably aren’t as good as yours. 3.) When you’re at work, save the social media usage for break times.
This can release some of the anxiety of being caught using browsing while on the clock, and could potentially save your job.
Contact Lorna Sheehan at lorna@bigbroadmedia.com or follow her on Twitter @lorna_sheehan.
