Concerning Societal Developments We Shouldn’t Applaud

Specific trends enter the online world that we definitely shouldn’t be celebrating. Some we can understand and appreciate, but others ultimately erode our minds and make us believe in certain things we shouldn’t.

Technological Dependency

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Even though we have found that technology has created many benefits in our lives, whether it’s ordering online for convenience or keeping up with friends and family who may not be present physically, there is a problem with our dependence on technology. We spend so much time with our heads in our electronics that we forget the people around us, and this has caused a decline in face-to-face interaction. It has also led to addictive behaviors. The first thing we do in the morning is check our phones, and it’s usually the last thing we do before going to sleep at night. Promoting and encouraging offline activities can create a more balanced lifestyle.

Gratification

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There was a time when we had to wait a couple of weeks for a product to be delivered to us; however, the rise in instant delivery has caused us to crave the gratification of quick results. Due to this, we have lost our patience and perseverance, which are essential parts of life. The best and most rewarding things in life take time and effort.

Overworking

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If it isn’t the current financial crisis, we’ve created a generation that thinks we need to consistently and constantly work to get the things we want. We have 30-year-olds who have worked hard and cannot get a mortgage. We are always busy, and this is a worrying trend. There is always time for working hard but no time for playing harder. We must wake up and remember that prioritizing rest, a balanced lifestyle, and valuing efficiency will make us have a better life overall.

Online Bullying

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Due to the rise in social media platforms, cyberbullying has become a growing problem. It has become so easy to bully because the perpetrator is hidden behind a screen, and they can make any hurtful comment they want. The positive aspect now, though, is that there are report and block buttons that make removing these comments easier. Online bullies forget that there is a living person on the other side whose feelings will be impacted. It might be easy to block and delete, but forgetting is more challenging. However, some online communities are constantly trying to promote kindness.

Cynicism and Apathy are Rising

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Due to the increase in societal challenges and changes, there has been a constant rise in cynicism and apathy. People don’t feel the motivation or energy to change themselves, even if they beat themselves up about their lives daily. We think that sitting down and spending more time online is the fix for everything. There are more unemployed than ever before, the same as homeless people. It’s a constant effect. Individuals then forget to believe that for things to improve, there needs to be a collective effort from everyone, which means maintaining optimism and hope.

Materialistic Obsession

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Because everyone’s lives are plastered all over the internet, we feel a bit rubbish about ourselves and our own lives, and believe it or not, this can lead to materialistic tendencies. We always want more, whether it’s more success, stuff, or money. These feelings lead to a lack of contentment and compassion, so it’s vital to be more grateful for what we have and find happiness in the simple things in life.

Political Polarization Increase

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There has been a rise in politics on our screens over the last few years, and this has caused a divide in society. This can make it difficult to have any productive dialogue, so it’s best to encourage empathy, respectful conversation despite any differences, and open-mindedness. This is so important to maintain a civil society.

No Privacy

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Did you take your dog for a walk? Or has your child done something completely obscene? Well, of course, you’ll need to post whatever has happened in your day on social media. This includes letting people know you’ve gone on holiday and leaving your house open for burglary. The lack of privacy means that there is a higher capacity for data collection and surveillance. We are all entitled to privacy, and of course, it’s entirely up to you what you post on your social media, but the risks that come with our constant posting are something that we should think about more.

Fashion Consumerism

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There is a promotion of constant consumption at the expense of workers’ environmental impacts and rights, all thanks to the fast fashion industry. Suppose we want to take a step in the right direction. In that case, we need to start choosing ethical and sustainable fashion alternatives and fully understand the actual costs of our buying habits.

Reality TV Influence

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Similarly, as social media, reality TV also warps our perception of life. It gives us a distorted image, and this causes conflict and drama rather than cooperation and peace. Even though they’re promoted as ‘reality,’ these TV shows lack authenticity in portraying real life, and they should not dictate how you live your life, your behavior, or your values.

Unhealthy Body Standards

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In the same way that reality TV and constant posting on social media distort our view of life, they also do so with our body images. We believe that we need to be as slim as the next top model, and the fact we become so involved in the lives of others makes us dislike ourselves. Eating disorders are a genuine concern, and we can develop unhealthy relationships with our bodies very quickly. It’s always best to encourage body positivity and realize that everybody is different.

Individualism is Overemphasized

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It’s great to be self-reliant and have a pinch of personal independence. Sometimes we can’t help but have these traits, and that’s great. However, the overemphasis on these can cause the importance of shared responsibility and community to become overshadowed. Finding a balance between community interests and personal needs is essential to enable a well-functioning society.

Narcissism

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The fact that some people hone in on the perfect online image as if it’s competition online can promote and encourage narcissistic tendencies. When scrolling through social media, we can’t help but focus on other people’s lives, leading to comparisons and further unrealistic expectations. We end up losing our authenticity, which is essential to keep. It’s also vital to ensure that we put in measures to cut down our social media usage and remember the vital things in life.

Becoming Desensitized to Violence

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Violence is everywhere at the moment, whether it’s on TV, in the news, or in video games. We can’t really escape it, but it is causing us to think that violence is routine, and we then become desensitized to the violence that occurs in the real world. Because of this, we lack empathy for victims and feel apathetic toward violent events. We should all be concentrating on promoting non-violence in daily life, both on and off social media.

Mental Health is Being Disregarded

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Mental health is talked about and recognized more now than ever before, but it still remains stigmatized and downplayed. This causes issues for individuals who are dealing with mental health challenges on a daily basis or even occasionally. The best way we can address this is by treating mental health in the same way we would physical health. If we do this, a lot

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