Take a break to live your real life!

Today, when our virtual lives are more important than the real one, networking through social media has become an inseparable part of our interactions; minus the personal touch.

But even this socialising platform appears to be attaining saturation. According to a recent US study, more than 50 per cent of Internet users in the US, suffering from social media overload, have either taken or have considered taking a ‘vacation’ from social networking. The research lays down irrelevant updates and lack of time as the top reasons for this retreat.

While social networking in India may not have anything to do with the study, Metrolife found out the popular voice of the people. Rahul Vats, a Software Entrepreneur living in Los Angeles, California, agrees with the results and even believes that “the percentage could actually be more.”

Citing the possible reasons for a general feeling of social media overdose, Rahul says, “There could be a lot of reasons – from personal to work related. Or maybe just a social pressure of not doing as many things as others are doing, while at times it could be because you feel neglected when people don’t like yourpictures.

“Social media interferes with our life on so many different levels, that it has become an integral part of our existence.” Shishir Gupta, pursuing B Tech, Computer Science, says, “We tend to over-socialise on the net. Most of us are constantly thinking about our social life, even when not online.”

Although totally US based, the study may have far reaching implications in India as well, considering that India presently has a total of around 150 million Internet users, expected to reach 180 million by end 2013. A 2011 research on the trends in social media based on age and geography, by Media Measurement, ranked India the lowest at a meager 8.4 per cent - among 16 countries covered for percentage of population online. The results could be misleading because of India’s huge population. If the usage of social media is limited to certain parameters like Internet access, education etc then India will likely be well-ahead.

The feeling of social networking overdose is largely mutual. “Although I have not been a victim till now, at times I have considered taking a vacation due to too much intrusion into personal life. It takes it toll,” says Priti Gupta, pursuing Masters in Carbon Finance at University of Edinburgh, UK.

Just as everything eventually becomes monotonous, social media too has reached a tipping point. That is when a ‘vacation’ comes in. “I have often taken these vacations just to get out of the boring situation created by these websites. Virtual world is a reality, but the real world needs to be checked repeatedly. We keep an eye on the camera more than enjoying the scenery,” believes Tamanna Sharma, a professional.

Addictive and maybe unproductive to a large extent, social networking has its own language and mannerisms. But don’t forget that you have a life beyond your virtual
identity.