FOR the first time in a long while, I found the need to take a break from social media.
I have been pretty attached to the Internet since the pandemic began. It was one of the few ways for me to stay connected to the outside world.
Lately, however, there seemed to be an overdose of everything; from news on politics and celebrity mishaps, to crime and even public bashing on social media.
It became almost impossible to avoid these things even when I was consciously trying to filter out the negative effects.
Don't get me wrong. I feel very lucky to live in this time. Unlike the era of my parents or predecessors, technology has blossomed so much and made my life much more convenient.
I can buy anything with a click of a button. I can look at my parents' faces as I talk to them over the phone. I can have meetings with my colleagues living all around the city just by sitting at home.
Most importantly, I have access to information, news and updates from around the world in just seconds. It's the grand age of information, where there is an endless pit of details, facts and happenings for you to indulge in.
But what's the catch? For me personally, the idea of having access to information very quickly was initially alluring.
HERE AND NOW
I knew exactly what was going on in the country the moment it happened, and because there are multiple sources online, I could read news from different perspectives at one go.
A crime happening in any state is made known instantly to everyone in the country. Mass shootings in the United States are reported within seconds of happening. Knowing these things makes me feel informed.
When I was in secondary school and sitting for my Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), I was often stressed by the fact that I
had to learn 10 different subjects at one time.
There were just too many things that I had to learn and process simultaneously, that eventually, I began to feel overwhelmed and oversaturated, even burnt out.
That's how I felt recently with the endless reports on politics, vaccines, Covid-19, the economy and sexual harassment.
It feels like there are so many issues out there, that you're not even sure which ones to really pay attention to.
Coupled with that is the negative connotations that come with them, in the form of Internet bullying, radical opinions and just a lot of anger all around.
You understand where these things are coming from, but it also makes you feel drained and hopeless.
A lot of news also means a lot of bad news, and constant bad news can really tamper with your emotions and mental health.
MANAGE IT
Information is addictive. I'm the type who must know the progress of an issue or a scandal I've been reading about on a daily basis.
The business of wanting to know everything out there at all times stops us from being present in our own lives,and leaves no time for us to look inwards, into our own selves and find a sense of purpose.
I was glad I stayed off social media for a while. In many ways, I felt a huge sense of relief.
Giving yourself some time off from information doesn't mean you're ignorant. It doesn't mean you don't care. It just means that you're prioritising your own sanity and mental health.
The world is still carrying on, and every day, something is always happening. You can always go back to it when you're ready.
"Switch off" from the internet and pick a book instead, claim Lazada Voucher on the checkout page.
