The Dual Role of Social Media

The Dual Role of Social Media

I spend about two hours every day on Instagram. That’s a lot, right? I started wondering why I spend so much time on just one app. Creating content and finding inspiration feels like a good reason, but sometimes it still feels like too much. It got me thinking—how does social media really fit into our lives? And is it worth giving it so much of our time?

The Good Side

Social media has some undeniable perks. It’s made communication and staying connected so much easier. You can find information on almost anything with just a few clicks. Learning new things, picking up skills, or expanding your knowledge has never been this simple. Plus, it lets you connect with people all over the world—not just friends and family, but also people who share your interests.

For instance, I once stumbled across a creator’s Madhubani artworks on Instagram. I was so fascinated that I reached out to her. She was running a course, and even though we were in different time zones, she shared class recordings and gave me some great feedback. That wouldn’t have been possible without social media.

It’s also an amazing space for creators and small businesses. People can share their ideas, grow their audience, and turn their dreams into reality. Personally, seeing other people’s creativity inspires me to keep going, even on those days when I don’t feel like doing much.

The Not-So-Great Side

But let’s be real—social media has its downsides too. One of the biggest issues –  Anxiety. When you’re constantly seeing influencers or friends sharing their perfect lives, it’s hard not to compare yourself. That whole FOMO (fear of missing out) thing is for real, and it can be overwhelming.

Another problem is the lack of authenticity. There’s so much misinformation out there, especially about things like health, fitness, and nutrition. It’s tough to know what’s true and what’s not. Moreover, too much information often leads to mindless scrolling. This in turn has its effect on our focus—reading a book or watching a long video feels harder when your brain is used to quick, bite-sized content.

Finding the balance

Change is a part of life, and social media is a huge part of how we live now. Instead of fighting it, maybe we need to figure out how to use it better. For me, that means being more mindful of our time on these platforms.

But what mindful actually means? I’m still figuring it out, though. If you’ve found a way to use social media in a healthy and balanced way, I’d love to hear your tips.

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I’m Harini

Welcome to My World of Musings,
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