Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword

How many of you sometimes wish social media did not exist? Many people express mixed feelings about this digital platform. While it offers connectivity and access to information, it can also lead to issues such as misinformation, mental health concerns, and privacy violations. Some individuals may wish for a world without social media to reduce these negative impacts, while others appreciate the benefits it brings. The debate is ongoing, with many advocating for a more mindful and balanced approach to social media use.

The Reality of Social Media

For many, the existence of social media is a part of our present reality. As someone who lives and breathes in this digital age, I can attest that social media is an integral part of our lives. I remember the times without cellphones and internet, and while it’s true that people were more friendly back then, there’s no denying that social media has transformed communication and interacting with people worldwide.

The Case for Social Media: Essential Connections

For myself and my nesting partner, who is also autistic and disabled, social media is our main connection with other people. It is far easier for us to make friends and connect with people online than in person, especially given our distance from family. However, it’s important to note that social media is not an unmitigated good. I have taken steps to reduce my social media usage this year, and my nesting partner has also made significant changes to their social media habits. These changes come in response to issues that have arisen, such as privacy concerns, misinformation, and the negative impact on mental health.

Healthy Use of Social Media

Like any tool, social media can be used in a healthy and constructive way. Think of social media as the office water cooler. Just as you might stop by the water cooler to chat with a coworker, using social media to touch base and meet new people is perfectly acceptable. However, the bulk of the relationship should remain off social media. It’s important to nurture your connections through offline activities, such as talking on the phone, watching videos together, playing games, and sharing hobbies.

Expectations and Healthy Relationships

The key to healthy social media use is not to expect it to replace every aspect of a friendship or relationship. Social media should be one aspect, rather than the entirety. Just as you wouldn’t expect the water cooler to replace spending time with friends on other activities, social media should complement, not replace, in-person interactions. It’s important to use social media to build connections and maintain them, but to foster the deeper, more meaningful relationships through other activities.

The debate on social media often centers on its negative impacts, but it’s also crucial to recognize its potential benefits. If used mindfully, social media can be a powerful tool for connection and communication. The key is to strike a balance between online and offline interactions.