After a long stressful day it is easy to sit down and scroll through your social media feed for some laughs and mindless scrolling.

In this digital age, social media platforms have become a mandatory part of our daily lives, connecting people across the globe and transforming how we communicate, and interact. While social media has brought many benefits, there is concern that it has also contributed to a profound shift in our sense of purpose. As we navigate the virtual landscape, we may find ourselves unwittingly falling victim to the allure of constant validation, comparison, and superficial connections, which leads to a diminished sense of purpose and fulfillment in our real lives.

Social media platforms have cultivated a culture of seeking external validation. The craving for likes, comments, and shares becomes a compulsion, as we tie our self-worth to the number of digital accolades received. This constant pursuit of validation shifts our focus away from meaningful pursuits, leaving us feeling unfulfilled and discontented in the long run. This also fosters an environment of constant comparison. As we scroll through curated feeds filled with carefully curated images of others' lives, we find ourselves feeling inadequate, as if we are falling short in comparison to the seemingly perfect lives of others. This relentless comparison erodes our self-esteem and distracts us from embracing our unique strengths and passions, leading to a sense of purposelessness.

While social media has connected us globally, it has also given rise to superficial interactions that lack genuine depth and meaning. The convenience of sending a quick message or emoji replaces genuine face-to-face connections and hinders the development of authentic relationships. This has left us feeling isolated, despite the large number of online connections we may accumulate, ultimately leaving us searching for a more profound sense of purpose through genuine human connections. Add the addictive nature of social media, fueled by infinite scrolling and algorithm-driven content, it is a significant time sink. Hours spent mindlessly browsing social media will detract from productive activities, hobbies, and pursuits that provide a genuine sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Let’s add artificial intelligence to the mix which can HUGELY impact our human connection. Now we can alter/enhance our conversations, photos, and profiles with a click of a button. Take this article for instance, AI wrote most of this for me, so where is the Author/Reader connection? At this point, It is an artificial connection. Now, I do not typically rely on AI to write for me, but for today’s purpose I wanted to use it as an example.

To reclaim our purpose, it is essential to strike a balance between our online and offline lives. We must consciously limit our time spent on social media, cultivate genuine connections with others, and prioritize meaningful activities that align with our values and aspirations. By embracing a purpose-driven approach, we can reclaim our lives from the digital realm and rediscover the fulfillment that comes from authentic human connections and purposeful pursuits.