Using social media the right way- For young adults

Social media has paved its way into our daily lives and no matter how much we say that we don't use it, it is almost impossible to cut it out completely. Especially, when it comes to young adults and teenagers. As important as it is to be a part of a society, social media has pretty much become the must-go platform. Gone are the days when social media only involved Facebook or a chat room, the tik-tok or reel era has changed the way we have been consuming information. Be it news or entertainment, everything is available in just a few clicks.

Throughout the years there has been much discussion about the ill effects of social media but in all honesty - staying away from it would be equivalent to sitting at home on New Years’ Eve. The best way forward would be to balance things holistically. So that you are well aware of the next happening place in the city while also staying in the good books of your teachers.

Let’s now take a look at a few ways you can make the most of social media:

• Social media can be a boon when used wisely

Social networking sites are an effective platform for enhancing classroom collaboration. Students can easily connect with their fellow students and work together on homework through websites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For instance, if a student finds a topic or concept difficult to understand, he can write about it on social media and get feedback from his friends. It also enhances one’s school or college experience and can help spread the word about interactive educational opportunities and extracurriculars such as debates, class discussions, dance auditions or attending a MUN club.

• 2. Enable screen time, delete apps, or turn on airplane mode

Balancing social media would be a fine line, between making the most out of it and being invested in it too much. It is not uncommon that social media is one of the most used apps on our phones, regardless of the age bracket. It is very easy to get distracted from the task you are supposed to do and before you know it, it has been 4 hours of scrolling through. Hence, much importance should be given to the time allotted for social media.

These are some options that you can start with. If these strategies don’t work for you, start with small steps: either turn off your notifications or limit yourself to using your phone at intervals of 2-3 hours.

• Set up a desk specifically for studying

Try not to study on a bed or a sofa. This will help you focus more and will prevent you from constantly getting distracted and reaching for your phone. This way, you get your work done not just quickly but also with full concentration. However, don't forget to give yourself breaks every 30-45 minutes. The amount of time you spend on social media will balance out the amount of time worked. Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep your phone in another room altogether.

You would not want social media to become the cause of your poor grades or lack of concentration. This platform when used to its optimal level can turn out to be a boon and keep you updated as well as well connected to your friends. Social media has undeniably altered the way we interact and communicate. Social media can also help you with your education. Social networking sites have provided students with new opportunities to communicate with one another and share educational content. Instagram and Facebook, for instance, are becoming practical tools for classmates to share news and articles. Social media has also improved the ease with which students can obtain support beyond the classroom.