OPINION: ‘Social Media Is Replacing Social Interaction and It’s Not Healthy’

Ever been sitting across from a friend having coffee when they take out their mobile phone and start scrolling? Well I have and let me just say that it has to be one of THE most annoying things on the planet. I get that technology is a massive part of everyone’s life nowadays and not a day goes past that I don’t check my social media accounts on my phone. But it shouldn’t be at the cost of basic manners or, in extreme cases, relationships. Let me just provide you with a few stats that show that social media is slowly but surely replacing social interaction (as in the old-fashioned conversation kind). Our recent ‘Slice of Ireland’ survey revealed that half of Her.ie readers spend between two and four hours online a day with almost 20 per cent dedicating over six hours of their daily routines to the World Wide Web. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are the most popular social media sites and almost a quarter of people check theirs multiple times every hour. Less than half a per cent revealed that they don’t use social media. I’m not saying that I’m against social media or don’t think people should be online. They can do whatever they want in their spare time. I too spend hours a day online because of my job and, like I said, I regularly check my social media accounts. But if I arrange to meet a friend for a catch-up, I actually catch up with them. I don’t sit checking my phone (unless I’m waiting for an important call in which case I apologise for the device sitting on the table) and I would never check my phone during a meal out. Why? Because it’s common decency and the other people around the table have made the effort to meet me. The least I could do is pay attention to them. It concerns me that human interaction is being replaced by messages and ‘Likes.’ It would irk me if my closest friends announced big life events to the world on a screen rather than to me in person. And it appalls me when people pass on their condolences on a social media site. That isn’t an adequate replacement for paying a visit or lifting up the telephone. It worries me that people think it is. Don’t get me wrong, social media is a great way of communicating and connecting with others. I love going on and seeing my friends holiday snaps and posts. I post pictures and arrange outings on Facebook all the time. But for me the way to maintain relationships is to actually see and talk to someone. During this time you shouldn’t be looking at your phone or messaging someone else because then, you may as well have just gone home and text your friend all your craic. Social interaction is the basis of all of our relationships. We’re not (yet) allergic to talking to one another. But we soon might forget how to interact altogether if things continue.