Viewpoint – Balance in a digital world

When your wellbeing is driven by the likes and dislikes of your posts on social media, and there is little balance through social engagement or personal interaction that provides a sense of community and personal fulfilment, we run the risk of creating an isolationist vacuum. This can lead to unbalanced views and decision-making that appear, through a form of algorithmic witchery, across your computer, smartphone and tablet. Isolated individuals can be misled into thinking they are at the forefront of the mainstream public opinion and that what they are seeing online reflects the views of the majority.

People often do not realise that the more you search a topic, the more content on that subject will be fed to you. Social media has its place, but it also has a lot to answer for. Life is about balance, and far too many people are becoming caught in the downward spiral of likes, love hearts, thumbs up and other emojis, while believing everything in front of them is real.

Many people fall victim to scams, lose money, enter into false relationships and come to believe that what they see on the screens, YouTube channels and chat groups is reality. When the veil of smoke and mirrors lifts, the realisation can be significant, and the resulting decline in mental wellbeing can be severe, even life-threatening.

Bullying online has also empowered bullies and weaponised social media. It is far too easy to post a negative comment and tear people down, often saying things online that would never be said in person.

I don’t want to tear down social media. It has some good positive attributes. However, I would advocate for balance. We should continue to support community halls, encourage people to join groups, volunteer, use the local facilities for gatherings and events, and value genuine interaction within our communities.

We should also build on the idea that it is okay to be different and to hold different views. Strong community groups bring together diverse perspectives. A good chairperson allows everyone the opportunity to speak and share their views. We can debate our differences and sometimes agree to disagree.

When you become frustrated, it is not the time to fire off angry emails. Try to engage, talk and meet. If an issue is important, discuss it face-to-ace. Start with a handshake and end with a handshake. What happens between the handshakes is simply an exchange of views.

This was an old-world way of communicating, but I believe it still has a place in today’s society. Respect the individual, even when you disagree with their ideas. And remember, once you hit the send button, you cannot take it back.