News Taffy

As the New Year approaches, perhaps you’d like to consider your online image and the role social media plays in your life. You may be due for an online make over if you are unaware of the profound impact social media has on our lives. For some time, I had felt that social media contributes towards a general feeling of mistrust and anger in the United States towards those who don’t share the same religious or political beliefs. It didn’t take much searching to find that there is a growing body of research into the impact of social media on our psyches and our physical well being.

Unfortunately, many people feel free to say whatever is on their minds on social media because it seems anonymous. Things we would never dare say to someone’s face or in a public venue are brazenly posted for all to see. There are hidden dangers to exercising our First Amendment right of free speech without checking our good sense first.

In his research, clinical psychologist Dr. Richard Sherry finds that social media robs us “of some of the most fundamental aspects of our humanity. When using these sites, people are less likely to feel empathy, patience or compassion towards others; they are significantly quicker to judge and more dangerously reactive in their anger than they ever would be in a real life situation.” Another poll backs up Sherry’s statement, finding that we are more easily angered at others online and less tolerant overall.

You are certainly entitled to your opinions but keep in mind that anger and anxiety are powerful emotions. Overuse of social media can lead to difficulty relaxing, sleeping and even affect our happiness. Stress causes hormones to surge which can damage blood vessels. As our anxiety increases, or we stay angry, our blood pressure rises and we might suffer from headaches, digestive problems, insomnia or depression. Your heart is especially vulnerable to the effects of anger and stress, which over time can contribute to heart disease.

Next time you are tempted to jump into the fray online and state your opinion, pause for just a minute and consider the consequences. You can skip over something you don’t like. If someone consistently offends you but you don’t wish to unfriend them, simply go to their Facebook page and look for the “following’ button. Click on it and you will no longer see their comments in your News Feed. Ask yourself what you hope to achieve if you do comment. Insulting someone or being critical won’t change anyone’s mind and may create an enemy you don’t need. Also consider that someone at your place of work may be offended and it could cost you your job.

Last, are you really following your faith if you constantly belittle others and their beliefs online? Are you setting a good example for your children and is this how you want others to think of you? When we have close, face to face relationships with real people we tend to live longer and have happier, healthier lives.