Why Social Media Makes Us Angry, Blind, and Divided
Junaid Tahir
Social Media Makes Us Angry, Blind
Why Social Media Makes Us Angry, Blind, and Divided Have you ever opened Facebook or Instagram just for five minutes, but suddenly realize...
Why Social Media Makes Us Angry, Blind, and Divided
Have you ever opened Facebook or Instagram just for five minutes, but suddenly realize you have spent two hours scrolling? Don't worry, you are not alone. This happens because these apps are specially made to trap your attention.
How Do They Make Money From You?
Social media apps are free, but the companies are making billions of dollars. How? Through advertisements (ads).
Every time you scroll, you see an ad. Let's look at the math:
- Suppose one ad makes the company a tiny amount of money—just 0.2 cents ($0.002).
- Now, imagine millions of people using the app every single day, and each person sees multiple ads.
- All those tiny cents add up to a mountain of money.
To show you more ads, the company needs you to stay on the app for a long time. So, the computer system watches what you like. If you watch a video about cooking, the app will immediately show you ten more videos about cooking. It gives you exactly what you want so you don't close the app. There is nothing illegal about this—it is just how they do business.
The Big Problem: Politics and Hate
The real danger starts when we talk about politics.
If you love one political party and hate another, the app notices this. It will start showing you only the videos that praise your favorite party and attack the enemy party.
This is dangerous because:
- It tricks your mind: Because you see it every day on your phone, you start to think your party is 100% perfect and never makes mistakes.
- It grows hate: You start to hate the other side even more, without listening to any real facts.
- It stops logical thinking: You stop using your own brain and just believe whatever the phone shows you.
4 Simple Rules to Protect Yourself
To keep your mind clear and your life peaceful, follow these four rules:
1. Don't believe your phone blindly
Remember that your social media feed is not the real world. It is just a playlist made by a computer to keep you hooked.
2. Stop sharing everything with family and friends
Before you click the "Share" button on a political post or video, stop and think. Your relatives, friends, or WhatsApp groups might have different opinions. Forcing your political views on them will not change their minds; it will only create arguments and ruin your relationships. Family is more important than a political party.
3. Nobody is perfect
Be honest. If the political party you support makes a big mistake, do not try to defend it or hide it. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it.
4. Don't trust every health tip on the internet
Today, anyone can use AI (Artificial Intelligence) to make a video that looks highly professional with beautiful words and beautiful editing. But remember: they made that video to get millions of views and make money, not to help your health.
A simple warning: A video might tell you that mixing avocado with lemon juice will cure a disease. If you blindly drink it, it might damage your stomach badly. By the time you realize the mistake, the damage is already done. Always check health tips with a real, certified doctor first.
Final Words
Social media is a good tool for fun and connection, but it is a business. Use it, but don't let it control your brain, your thoughts, or how you treat your loved ones
