social media
Dr. Hasnain Gulamali Walji is a recognized thought leader specializing in the intersection of technology, AI, and human behaviour. He serves as the President of Integrative Quest, developing e-learning products for the financial and healthcare sectors. With over 26 books on nutrition and natural medicine, his expertise is well-regarded in the field.
He is the Executive Director of the United Global Initiative, an international NGO committed to women’s empowerment and social justice. Its flagship program, CodeGirls, encourages girls from marginalized societies to join the tech sector. He also holds directorial positions with the Jaffer Family Foundation, the Oasis Center for Intellectual Development, and the Karbala Center for Humanity, and contributes to Harvard Divinity School’s ‘Ashura At Harvard’ study track.
With over four decades of service to the Muslim community, Dr Walji’s commitments include active roles on boards such as the World Federation of KSI Muslim Communities, American Muslim Health Professionals, National Muslim Catholic Dialogue, and the Interfaith Peace Ministry of Orange County, among others. As an oral historian, he produced the documentary “The Khojas – A Journey of Faith,” tracing his community’s heritage over seven centuries.
In his golden years, Dr Walji continues to dedicate himself to research, education, and social justice activism, driven by a vision to create a better world for his seven grandchildren. Digital Media marketing as well as Education.
A
hmed, is simply an average person who wants to show off a photo of his cat. He snaps twenty images, processes them through three filters, and then spends a solid ten minutes crafting the ideal caption. He cannot stop checking his phone every five minutes after publishing to see the number of likes he has received. A momentary surge of happiness washes over him as he finally hits 100 likes. However, his mood changes when he notices that his friend Ali’s post gets 500 likes. But then he sees his friend Ali’s post, which has 500 likes. Suddenly, Ahmed’s joy turns into envy. If only Ahmed knew that Ali’s likes came from a giveaway contest promising free coffee to anyone who liked the post! This, in many cases, is the (fake) reality of social media.
Being honest, fair, and consistent even when no one is looking is the essence of integrity. In the context of social media, maintaining integrity means being authentic, not succumbing to the pressure of portraying a perfect but false persona, and using the platform to reflect genuine values and experiences.
Social media influences how we see things in this digital era. Stunning photos, apparently faultless people, and meticulously planned lifestyles are all on display. An illusion is produced by this. Let’s go into the social media illusions and how we may stay true to ourselves in this digital world.
The Fallacy of Perfectionism
When it comes to social media, “perfection” is the name of the game. Both celebrities and everyday people flaunt their picture-perfect lives, attractiveness, and achievements. Editing and filtering these photographs frequently makes them look more real than they actually are. We could feel inadequate when we observe this seeming beauty.
In Search of Validation
We’ve all been there – posting a photo and then obsessively checking our phones to see how many likes and comments it gets. It’s a rush of validation, but it’s fleeting. The real problem is when our self-worth becomes tied to these virtual affirmations. Real self-worth comes from our faith and deeds, not from how many hearts we get on a photo.
The Effects on Mental Health
Seeing these flawless photos all the time could confuse us. Many mental health issues, including anxiety, despair, and poor self-esteem, have been linked to social media use, according to medical research. We get unhappy when we compare our actual lives to the curated highlights of other people’s lives.
Reducing social media use to 30 minutes each day might greatly alleviate feelings of loneliness and despair, according to a research published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology. A three-week follow-up research of 143 undergraduates found that, in comparison to those who maintained their usual social media use, those who cut back saw a marked improvement in their mental health.
The Double-Edged Sword of Influencer Culture
There are pros and cons to influencer culture. Influencers have the power to motivate, educate, and disseminate good thoughts. Yet, they are also capable of promoting consumerism and impossible ideals. Islam encourages modesty (Haya), humility, and contentment. It is important that our online interactions reflect these principles and encourage people to live modestly and with humility.
Striking a Healthy Balance on Social Media
Our faith encourages balance (Wasatiyyah) in all aspects of life. Neglecting real-life obligations and relationships can result from spending too much time on social media. Prioritizing offline contacts and setting limits are crucial.
Establishing firm limits is one strategy for keeping things under check. Set up regular periods throughout the day to check your social media accounts, and don’t stray from them. Neither the morning nor the hour before you go to sleep is the best time to use social media. The worry and tension that comes with having to constantly check for updates and notifications can be alleviated in this way.
Prioritizing Offline Interactions
Make a conscious effort to prioritize face-to-face interactions over virtual ones. Spend time with family and friends, engage in meaningful conversations, and participate in community activities. This not only strengthens relationships but also provides a healthy contrast to the often superficial interactions on social media.
Being Conscientious About What We Watch
Pick and choose the media you watch. Unfollow accounts that bring you down or discourage you and follow those who boost you up.
Going on a Digital Detox
A digital detox can be beneficial. Taking regular breaks from social media allows for reflection, rejuvenation, and reconnection with one’s faith Regaining equilibrium and concentrating on what’s important can be achieved through this exercise. Take baby steps, like a detox over the weekend, and build up to longer and longer periods of time when you feel better.
Striving for Realness to Maintain Integrity
Striving for Realness to Maintain Integrity
The fake realities of social media and influencer culture can be harmful. However, approaching social media with a critical eye and balance can mitigate these effects. Embracing authenticity can lead to a healthier and more fulfilling online experience. We should always strive to create and consume content that uplifts, inspires, and reflects our true values.
So, let’s unplug from the Matrix and reconnect with our true selves. After all, reality, with all its imperfections, has a charm of its own that no filter can replicate. And remember, while social media might be the biggest killer of integrity, it can also be a forum for promoting charitable projects, educational opportunities and promoting universal and values. It can be a force for the greater good or an integrity killer – the choice is entirely yours.
Article cited in the [Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181108164316.htm).
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