Category : Tech

But today, apart from this the keystone species of technology is social media. In a little more than a decade, the impact of social media has gone from being an entertaining extra to a fully integrated part of nearly every aspect of daily life for many. And in the ultimate meshing of the digital and physical worlds, Elon Musk raised the spectre of essentially removing the space between social and media through the invention — at some future time — of a brain implant that connects human tissue to computer chips.

As quickly as social media has insinuated itself into politics, the workplace, home life, and elsewhere, it continues to evolve at lightning speed. Social media has become really fundamental to the way that billions of people get information about the world and connect with each other, which raises the stakes enormously.

We are aware of the fact that technology has been booming in today’s world. It is contributing to the development of mankind. We all are dependent on technology and its applications. There is hardly any field where technology is not used. With just a click or touch, you can experience the task being accomplished in a matter of seconds. Technology has been the mother of civilizations, of science and of arts. Technology definitely changed our way of living. It has influenced different aspects of life and redefined culture.

In the field of education, technology is increasing at a much faster rate. With the help of technology, kids are able to expand their knowledge for better learning outcomes. The reliance and dependence on such an innovation, which simply makes life an easy and smooth journey is completely unavoidable these days even in schools, universities and colleges. Technology is widely used for communication. We all have smartphones, laptops, computers, gadgets and other devices. Technology plays an important role in the field of science and medicine. With the help of technology, many big and small-scale industries are expanding…

But today, apart from this the keystone species of technology is social media. In a little more than a decade, the impact of social media has gone from being an entertaining extra to a fully integrated part of nearly every aspect of daily life for many. And in the ultimate meshing of the digital and physical worlds, Elon Musk raised the spectre of essentially removing the space between social and media through the invention — at some future time — of a brain implant that connects human tissue to computer chips. As quickly as social media has insinuated itself into politics, the workplace, home life, and elsewhere, it continues to evolve at lightning speed. Social media has become really fundamental to the way that billions of people get information about the world and connect with each other, which raises the stakes enormously.

But there are two sides of a coin. And social media has its own downside even if used carefully. Social media has certainly made fame and attention more democratic, and not in a good way. Listing down some of the demerits would include: firstly it’s an unsafe platform for our youth where they can be the victim of cyberbullying, hacking and scams. Social media is an online platform and hence the chances of getting distracted are more due to bad company, unknown friends, curiosity etc. and parents would eventually lose control as they wouldn’t know what their son/ daughter experienced on the small bright screen in their hand.

A serious issue among youth is social media addiction which has led to disastrous consequences. I see today’s youth scrolling reels, shorts etc. just for nothing. It’s the most dangerous because they don’t actually realise how much of their precious time is getting wasted. Spending hours on the couch glued to our smartphones results in several health problems such as obesity, stress, and high blood pressure. Social media is impulsive. New messages, notifications, and updates are the impetus to constantly checking the phone, resulting in distraction. Another alarming and increasing danger is the immoral relationships that are made through social media. Today, social media is the main outlet for immodesty.

Social media has been the cause of many disrupted relationships simply because families cannot spend quality time with each other. Spending time with each other is about being ‘present’ and in the moment. As friends and family gather, create memories by speaking to one another about times past, present and future. Unfortunately, today with social media being made available on the mobile phone, people spend time with each other ‘scrolling’ through posts.

With the decrease in real face-to-face conversations and in-person chats, quick-wittedness is rare. Sense of humour and sporty tête-à-têtes have been compromised. People who use social media to communicate lack empathy and do not wink an eyelid when they have to hurt someone. The latest trolls, negative comments, and feedback are all witnesses to the hard-heartedness that has evolved due to the invisible nature of social media. Social media hampers emotional bonds. Ingenuity is lost when people who would ideally visit one another to convey greetings only send text messages instead of hugs.

Considering the above demerits I realise that social media, although beneficial can function as a social evil if misused. If so, it is against the holistic approach that Islam teaches. From emotions to the conversation. From relationships to productivity. Everything that social media has changed is against the way of life taught by our Prophet Muhammad (saw). So there is an urgent need to change our attitude and save ourselves and others from this trap. It’s the need of the hour because 59% of the population on average spend two and half hours daily on social media. 

How to reduce social media addiction?

1. Track your screen time

2. Turn off notifications

3. Follow only the accounts that you find value from

4. Resist the urge to share everything

5. .Delete social media apps from your phone

6. Find new things to do: something that brings peace, something that makes you happy like reading a book, walking, or gardening. Just connect to nature.

7. Use social media less – but better: start by unfollowing all the useless accounts and following educational and useful accounts. Start learning by following good educational accounts that’d help you in this world and the Hereafter.

Lastly, RULE THE MEDIA AND DON’T LET IT RULE YOU.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *