A simple thought from The Community on Friday: An oft repeated subject that draws sharp reactions from both divides of the argument is the relentless use of social media. Considering the topic is still making headlines, it would not hurt if this space is dedicated to discussing it one more time. After all, the rate at which our brothers and sisters type on social media, would put a 1970s word speed typist to shame, as it would the ring leaders of a kitty party gossip group of the vain amongst us. But what is more startling is the manner in which people are in a hurry to share whatever comes their way, forming new traditions in the process. I recall receiving a message from a person I barely knew seeking my forgiveness if he had wronged me before he undertook his journey for pilgrimage. Out of genuine concern, when I wished him well, and asked him why he felt that way when we had never in fact interacted, he cooly responded saying it was just a generic message he had sent to all in his friends list. If we were using social media for improving our lives, we would probably be right but amazingly this is where we now show off while travelling, expressing love and sharing uninvited opinions. Some of our brothers literally run a poll like discussion on different awful scenarios affecting relationships and seeking thoughts from others. Researchers tell us that social media activates the reward centre of our brains in the sense of it being a socially stimulating activity. As this becomes a habit, individuals tend to lose touch with their own realities and of their relationships while trying to appease a strange audience. The greater damage to the brain is that, like any other noise, this leads to loss of creativity as one gets entangled in an endless cycle if self promotion. Connecting with friends is a good thing but constantly sharing your life with others can be both dangerous as well as ridiculously desperate. Whether it is Facebook or Instagram, use it to your responsible advantage and remember your actions and the sum of your words, will bear testimony against you for whiling away the precious moments of your life in seeking the attention of others while missing out on the sheer meaning of life.
This initiative is made possible by the kind courtesy of Bande Khuda Sponsors, Dr Agarwal Eye Hospital with Abu Baseer Specialist Eye Clinic, Meadows Academy, SD Dental Clinic & Ceramic Lab, SokoniAdvertiser, Xpress Rent A Car and for the ISAALE THAWAAB of Marhum Hussein Nazarali
