LAST Saturday, my wife and I were privileged enough to attend a wedding reception at one of Guyana’s elite banquet hall. Among the many invitees present were a few of Guyana’s prominent office bearers and educators.

Yet, many people (mostly young professionals) had no interest in socializing with those people who have vast experience and knowledge in many aspects of life, but found it quite enjoyable to log-in to their social network for most of the evening. During the speeches and presentations, people at my table who were logged-in were doing what they do best: ‘Socialising’, evidently on some social network. Phones and tablets were flashing all around; updating of profiles was done every few minutes, with a new picture and slogan, so much so that my wife turned off her SmartPhone. It was truly a “digital” reception. Having had such an experience, I asked myself: Is social media affecting our social life?
Consider this: 24% of respondents to one survey said they’ve missed out on enjoying special moments in person because they were too busy tweeting, Facebook-ing or BBM-ing.
Facebook users spend 10.5 billion minutes each day surfing the site; and that doesn’t even include mobile use, according to the company’s IPO filing. Collectively, that’s nearly 20 years per day that people spend living Online instead of offline. Guyanese users help to make up that number.
Facebook users in India, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore all spend an average of more than 20 minutes on-site every day. In Singapore, the figure is a whopping 38 minutes.
And 39% of Americans spend more time socializing Online than in person. 20% actually prefer communicating Online or via text message than having a face-to-face conversation, while a third said they’re more likely to approach someone new Online than off.
Social media can be a wonderful tool, helping us source information and communicate with friends around the world. But what happens when we use social networking sites to be, well, less social and physically active in real life? When last did you take a run with your friends on the Kitty Seawall, or have a face-to-face group discussion in the Gardens? Better yet, when last did you participate in a cook-out at the Parika Beach? Maybe light years ago!
For many of us, social media has become part of our everyday lives. We tweet, blog, update and upload regularly — for work and personal reasons. Around 80% of the Asian population is Online, ranking them as having one of the highest Internet penetration rates in the world.
Despite the rise in popularity of social media in recent years, research into its impact on our health is still in its infancy. One main social’s media guidelines warn the world of a condition called ‘Facebook depression’, which may affect vulnerable or troubled teenagers who are heavily dependent on social networking and their Online friends.
It can be more painful than sitting alone in a crowded school cafeteria, or other real-life encounters that can make kids feel down. Because Facebook provides a twisted view of what’s really going on, teenagers will scan Facebook to find evidence that everybody else is having a better, happier and more glamorous life.But sometimes, I do believe that social media can play an important supporting role in our mental health.
The strong sense of community and belonging fostered by social networking services has the potential to promote flexibility among young people. While there are concerns about social media, the good news is that people are developing the skills to cope.
It’s not just teenagers and young people alone; the highest growth audience in one country for social media is women aged 50 and over. Husbands in Guyana, you can rest assure that giving your wife time off to watch her Indian Soap opera is worthwhile, right! Do join her.
It’s not just your emotional status that can be affected by social media. If the time you spend posting and tweeting is largely on the computer, your physical health can be impacted too.
Almost 80% of us spend two or more hours sitting during our leisure time; this has far-reaching effects on our health: Long-term obesity, heart problems, depression and diabetes. Get you sporting gear on! What are you waiting for?
When you spend so long sitting down, texting and updating, your metabolism slows down and your energy requirements are reduced. However, most people seem to be eating just as much as they have always done, but moving less. In short: The more active you are, the better; even small movements, like standing up, can improve your blood sugar and blood fat levels. Stop having your monthly business or committee meetings over Skype or OovoO and get going to a new venue every time.
You can take steps to ensure you’re moving as often as possible throughout the day. Set an alarm on your computer to remind you to get up and get moving every 30 minutes. Get a drink of water, or go for a short walk around the block. Do some weeding or cleaning within your environment.
Plus, who says you have to be idle to use social media? More and more these days, we access it on our smartphones while we’re on the move — another great way to cut down the time you spend sitting.
Take control of your social life rather than allowing social media to control you. The first week after I deactivated a few of my accounts was a bit weird, but now, I don’t miss them. I catch up with friends in person, and on the field. Can’t wait for my next football match!