If You Could Go Back in Time, Would You Still Join Social Media?

We asked members: Do you wish you'd never let social media into your life? Or are you happy to be part of this giant, global, social network? Here’s one great answer.

Social media seems to be an integral part of the world today. It allows its users to keep up to date with their friend’s trip to Europe, the baby panda born at the zoo and, of course, the latest memes to sweep the world.

Despite all these very important uses, is it possible to live in the world today without the likes of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and every other social media platform out there?

I have said countless times that I am going to delete Facebook, but I never do. I find it to be such a waste of time scrolling through photos of ‘friends’ I haven’t seen in years, or the endless memes I love, yet waste so much valuable time.

In saying that, social media is such a fantastic way to remain in contact with friends. Moving away to university last year was super exciting, but it also brought concern that I would drift away from friendships formed in high school. Facebook and Messenger really helped me stay in contact with them all and gave me confidence in knowing I had friends for life.

However, there is also a very dark side to social media. It is the perfect platform to view the ‘perfect’ lives of others and begin doubting the life you live yourself.

Social media—particularly Instagram—paints unrealistic pictures of virtually everything. Photos are often retouched, and filters are applied to create a more ‘perfect’ look to the subject of the photo. Self-esteem can seriously suffer as a result of scrolling through the endless feeds of your device.

I say all of this, but I love posting images of my imperfect life to Instagram, because it provides me with a visual diary; something I will be able to look back on to remember the awesome times I’ve had. For me, it isn’t about the number of likes I get, or the comments I receive; it’s about creating a memory base.

Snapchat is something else entirely. I recently lost most of my streaks because I allowed myself to realise I was becoming addicted to a number. It was controlling my life. I honestly don’t know what is holding me back from deleting it. Call me an old fashioned 19-year-old, but the more I think about it, the more I see how pointless and ridiculous it is.

So, if I could go back in time, would I still sign up for social media accounts? I wouldn’t join Snapchat, that’s for sure. I don’t regret for a second signing up to Instagram thanks to the memories. Would I still join Facebook? That’s a little more difficult to say. I think I would, but I'd only follow my closest of friends.

On that note, I think I’m going to go clear out my Facebook following list, and maybe even go delete Snapchat…

Congratulations to Molly for winning this week's writing challenge: If You Could Go Back in Time, Would You Still Join Social Media? Molly wins a $50 Westfield gift card for her submission. For your chance to win, check out our latest writing challenges in our Competitions section. Also, be sure to follow this guide on how to win the writing challenge

Photo: iStock.com/stockcam