The social impact of the digital age cannot be understated. We seek connection through this channel and sometimes have great results. However sometimes the online portal falls short and we are frustrated by broken links or wrong information, a text message sends the wrong vibe & relationships break down or a dependency on the mobile map app gets us lost when we don't have a signal.

What do you think your life would be like if cellphones and the internet had never been part of it? Have you ever visited a place or known someone who didn't have these things? If you were alive before the internet took hold, what do you remember about your life then? Do you remember your early days of having a cell phone?

Would you consider ditching your smartphone and how about deciding not to go online for some time?

Book Review: Why social media is ruining your life by Katherine Ormerod

In the book ""Why Social Media is Ruining Your Life"" by Katherine Ormerod, the author delves into the detrimental effects of social media on our mental health and overall well-being. Ormerod highlights how the curated and filtered version of reality presented on social media platforms can lead to feelings of inadequacy, comparison, and anxiety among users. By constantly being bombarded with carefully crafted images and stories, individuals may start to believe that everyone else is living a perfect life, which can lead to negative self-perception and a distorted view of reality.

Ormerod also discusses how social media fuels the phenomenon of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) and impacts our ability to be present in the moment. The constant need to check our phones for updates, likes, and comments can be addictive and distracting, taking away from real-life experiences and connections. This digital dependence can lead to decreased productivity, difficulty focusing, and a sense of disconnection from the world around us. By shedding light on these issues, Ormerod prompts readers to reflect on their own social media habits and consider the impact it may be having on their lives.

Moreover, the book offers practical tips and strategies for reclaiming control over our digital lives and fostering a healthier relationship with social media. Ormerod emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, and engaging in activities that bring genuine fulfillment and joy. By being more intentional about our online interactions and consumption, we can protect our mental well-being and cultivate a more balanced approach to technology usage. Ultimately, Ormerod's insightful exploration of the dark side of social media serves as a wake-up call for readers to reassess their digital habits and prioritize their mental health in the digital age.

One of the pillars of many religious teachings involves not having FOMO which is really just envy. How does social media escalate FOMO? How does it shape our concept of what life is and what it is supposed to be?

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