By Clove Morgan
One of the hardest parts of living in the world today is the distinction between reality and technology. Of course, the two overlap each other, and they have meeting points as we go about our day. Their blend has only gotten more and more closely knit as we have advanced toward a plugged-in future.
Whether it be social media becoming more of a habit than an outlet, Zoom classrooms, or on-screen meetings, technology has undoubtedly integrated itself into our daily lives. The under-acknowledged priority in our digital activity, though, is the self. Who are you behind the screen, and how have you been impacted by its glare?
In no way am I trying to shame internet and device users. Gen Z, myself included, is the first generation raised entirely with access to technology. Most of us can remember the first phone, tablet, or laptop passed into our hands and how our bright eyes grew brighter still with the blue light of the screen. I was only nine years old when I got my first iPod and ten when I was gifted an iPhone. The indoctrination of young people into a digital-dependent era has introduced a new wave of trials and tribulations with children as the test subject.
That being said, there is no singular person or thing to blame for the onslaught of challenges and mistakes in the early years of mobile technology. The present should be of the highest priority, meaning yourself in the present. Personally, I have had an online presence since the age of eleven.
Entering the arena of social media in my early middle school years altered my perception of reality. I became hyperaware of my existence, especially my social standing, which should have been the last thing on my mind at that age (the first should have been my algebra homework). As I’ve grown, I have meticulously refined my profiles on the platforms I have and ensured that I have only what is relevant to my digital persona.
I don’t want to dwell on how to cultivate the perfect page or post, though, because the person behind the profile picture is far more important. When putting yourself out there, you want to maintain professionalism and the best image of yourself. Unfortunately, this limits transparency and can warp your view of yourself and of others. I struggled with trying to make myself perfect, and due to my fixation on being the portrayed version of me, I lost who I was in the process. Vulnerability isn’t easy when you have an unspoken limit on authenticity, but I feel that most of us who have grown up with a device at our fingertips share the experience of falling into the social media vortex.
Once in a while, you need to take a step back from the screen and center yourself. Take the time to breathe and exist beyond the confines of pixels and status updates. Whether it be spending time with others in the flesh or taking the time for self-reflection, you need to find tangible ties to the real you.
Research has proven that taking breaks from social media, prolonged or short-lived, can positively impact psychological well-being. A study published by Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, took in groups of participants that regularly engaged with social media sites and divided them into two sections: those who took a break from social media and those who remained consistent. They found, in a survey conducted at the end of the trial, that the group that took the week off from their digital lives showed significant improvements in depression, anxiety, and overall mental health.
One of the lead researchers explained that there is still “a lack of studies examining the effect of reducing [social media],” but the evidence is culminating in proving that there is a substantial connection between the two. I decided to test this theory on a smaller scale so as to notice the minor differences in my mental state as I took my own break from the more public platforms. I stuck exclusively to Pinterest for a few days; there being less pressure to share my personal life, and I’ll admit that it eased my anxiety not to share or view the lives of others.
I tend to compare myself or spend too much time wondering what people, friends or not, are up to. However, I took the opportunity to prioritize myself, and it helped in my ongoing journey of self-exploration as I could better assess my tastes, needs, and sources of happiness. I found that I was happiest surrounding myself with my own writing, beautiful images of travel destinations, and (of course) a few cute cats here and there. Without the need to post looming over my shoulder, I spent my time curating a list of places I hoped to see and new methods of self-expression.
We’ve now reached the final lap of exploration into you and your digital self. I encourage you to take your own break. It can be a week, a day, or even a few minutes when you need it the most. Navigating the minefield of technological dependency is a challenge that not many can conquer through balance. However, even in the age of modernity, it is essential to value yourself and your mind. Remind yourself that your worth is not exclusive to your online presence but rather who you are in your skin compared to the screen. The present is as good a time as any to prioritize you. Seek a haven in the now.
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