Effects of the Internet and Social Media on Our Generation

Introduction

• Social media and internet usage have significantly shaped our generation.
• Example: Most people check their phones first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
• Survey: 77% of people aged 18-24 use their phones during free time.

Personal Experience

• Installed an app to track phone usage: 3.5 hours a day
• Realization: Small amounts of time add up to significant daily usage.

Attention Span and Instant Gratification

• Human attention span has decreased to 9 seconds.
• Linked to dopamine release from instant gratification (similar to alcohol, cigarettes, drugs).
• High addiction rates to smartphones observed.

Smartphone Addiction

• Apps like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram designed for addiction.
• Business model: Maximize time spent through targeted algorithms.
• Sean Parker (Facebook investor): Acknowledged exploiting human psychology vulnerabilities.

Mental Health Impacts

• Social media linked to anxiety, depression, and poor sleep.
• Rates of anxiety and depression increased by 70%.

Social Media and Reality

• Social media encourages projecting filtered, idealized lives.
• Contrast with real life leads to feelings of loneliness and depression.

Addiction and Social Behavior

• Social media addiction compared to drug addiction.
• People turn to phones instead of human interaction when distressed.
• Decline in face-to-face conversations.

Global Trend

• Smartphone addiction is a worldwide issue, not just in Western countries.
• Observed globally, affecting social interactions even during meals.

Instant Gratification vs. Long-term Goals

• Conflict between phone usage (instant gratification) and long-term goals.
• Leads to procrastination and lack of productivity.

Solutions and Responsibility

• Recognize the problem and understand its impact.
• China’s approach: Internet addiction treatment camps (military-style rehab).
• Encourage moderation in phone usage.
• Suggestions:
  • Limit phone use in social settings.
  • Avoid keeping phones by the bedside to improve sleep.

Conclusion

• Generation’s responsibility to free ourselves from smartphone addiction.
• Aim for a better future by overcoming this addiction.
• Importance of awareness and behavioral change.