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Nurturing digital and physical connections
Nurturing digital and physical connections
Understanding digital social connection
Understanding digital social connection
The evolution of social media is endless: from social online groups and gaming virtual tools to artificial intelligence, people are engaging more on online platforms than physically. Platforms like TikTok, WhatsApp, Instagram, ChatGPT, and personal AI chatbots like Character AI are becoming popular applications for interaction, with some people using them for therapy and counselling.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with social media; the only danger is in excessive non-purposeful usage or using it as an escape from reality (feeling you need to be on the phone, otherwise there is instant boredom or lack of morale). Another trend to watch out for would be addiction to online gaming applications, which may include betting sites.
How to improve social health in the digital era
How to improve social health in the digital era
Learning to leverage social platforms
Learning to leverage social platforms
The internet is a powerful tool that has both positive and negative aspects. Learning how to leverage the good side of social media allows one to use it as an extension of connecting and building new relationships.
• Find a healthy social forum with strict community guidelines and safety mechanisms. It is important to check reviews on the app/Google Store where you download the app. This allows you to know if there is any ingenuity involved.
• Identify a group, channel, or community that aligns with your values and is properly moderated. Join that group and be an active participant.
• For local groups, ensure that the online community also encourages physical meetups occasionally to further foster the connections being created online.
• Ensure the group is welcoming, inclusive, and respectful. There is no negative pressure, discussions are geared towards improvement and growth, and there is motivation from group members.
Taking social media breaks
Taking social media breaks
Small breaks- These are breaks that can be taken daily over a short time, like 30 minutes to an hour. Activities like reading, exercising, and practicing mindfulness (e.g., conscious breathing) are suitable for such breaks. It allows you to break from constant exposure and bring you back to reality in the present time.
Moderate Breaks- These are breaks that take hours (an afternoon) or a day to accomplish. Plan for off/free days to engage in social events. They include volunteering, attending celebrations like weddings, joining club meetups, and engaging in hobbies like hiking.
Big breaks- These are breaks that take days, weeks, and months. They include
• Meditative retreats- Going on a getaway at a resort or island that is designed for the sole purpose of finding therapy, inner healing, and strengthening bonds. This can be attended as a solo expedition or as a group (family/relationship, etc.). It involves using meditation as therapy for inner healing and growth.
• Silent retreat- Activities like vipassana, which encourages inner reflections and soul searching through silence. It can be practiced for up to 10 days.
• Nature immersions- It involves going on longer expeditions, like a weekend trip to camp, fish, hike and do simple training exercises (self-defense skills like karate and judo)
• Spiritual retreat- Monastic and religious souls purpose finding. There is no social interaction with outside life. This is coupled with an augmented healthy diet and daily spiritual practices like mantras. This practice can last from months to years.
Remember! At any given point, do not be solely operating on online platforms. Find ways of integrating online activities with offline interactions.
FAQs (Frequently asked questions on digitality and social connections)
FAQs (Frequently asked questions on digitality and social connections)
Can online communities replace local social networks?
Can online communities replace local social networks?
They act as a bridge and a way of contributing to fastening communications and making meetings easier. They cannot replace local connections totally.
How does algorithm-driven content affect social health?
How does algorithm-driven content affect social health?
By creating hyperarousal, fragmented reality, and a comparison attitude. Hyperarousal can lead to focusing on social media for hours while ignoring real connection. Fragmented reality and comparison can lead one into a self-loathing or anxious state, which hinders healthy social interactions.
How can close relations like family maintain connection in digital saturation?
How can close relations like family maintain connection in digital saturation?
They can leverage clean social media like WhatsApp as a tool for communication and interaction. Offline, they can prioritize shared routines that involve interactions without gadgets and in-person conversations.
How does excessive social media use affect life skills?
How does excessive social media use affect life skills?
It dumbs down a person's skills involving reading and interpreting social cues, respectful and relevant conversations, increased social anxiety, distorted perception, and fear of judgement.
Is online conflict harmful to health?
Is online conflict harmful to health?
Yes. Online bullying, trolling, catfishing, or disagreements can very much affect a person's mental and emotional state. Conflict should be taken seriously and resolved.
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