Snares Of Screens

Dixya Poudel

A recent study has stated that people tend to view their smartphones even when they are watching movies and shows at home on television or a computer. And since many movies and series are currently released on the streaming platforms directly, it means that they will be competing with smartphones for the attention of the audience. 

People are likely to scroll through their phones even during meal times such as lunch breaks, dinners and often at breakfasts. It is understandable that there are emails to be checked and answered and notifications to be responded to so as to keep up social obligations in the virtual sphere. But the fact that users are being addicted to their screens is alarming. Even television which tends to absorb the attention of the viewers deeply is now contending with the smartphone screens. It probably has to do with FOMO i.e. fear of missing out which has social implications, particularly in the young generations. 

It doesn’t help that social connections have increasingly switched over to the online world that is accessed through screens. Important life events such as graduations, work promotions, marriages and so on are posted online with intriguing captions, prompting numerous likes, comments and shares from viewers. In a way, it has become obligatory to share life events on the internet. However, they often elicit FOMO as viewers feel like they are missing out in life as compared to fellow Facebookers, Instagrammers and TikTokers. 

People are more or less aware that social media sites only perpetuate and highlight success, beauty and accomplishments and that behind-the-scenes may tell a different story. And still, they might feel like they are lagging behind due to FOMO. It could even lead to anxiety and depression in the longer term. It is thus necessary to be rational when it comes to the screen perusal. It is said that all that glitters is not gold. Instead of taking online sphere such as social media by face value, it would be better to focus on self-growth whether it is documented online or not. 

To tackle toxicity in social media, it can help to create an authentic presence on such networking sites. It could encourage fellow users to be open about their struggles as well. Next time, FOMO lures into a dark nook, make sure to see beyond the picture-perfect and highly curated online lives. And know that comparison isn’t healthy for mental and psychological health. In a way, there has to be a distance from comparison generating social media and one’s perception of them.

 What is more important is self-growth and self-improvement along with real time social interactions and goals instead of being blindsided by dazzles of the online world. What is seen online barely reflects reality as people tend to keep their struggles to themselves.  The snares of screens have become quite addictive. As such, FOMO might grasp one’s attention at vulnerable times which is why it is essential to regulate time spent online. 

More importantly, it could help to take short breaks from online apps through a regulation of screen time. As for the fact that movies and shows on electronic devices are competing with smartphones, perhaps it signifies how tenuous the attention span is becoming among people globally due to the ubiquity of screens.