How to balance time online and in real life
Modern life is unimaginable without the internet. We scroll through news feeds over our morning coffee, chat with colleagues on messaging apps, meet new people on specialised platforms, and learn languages online. However, the internet is both a blessing and a trap simultaneously. On one hand, it provides us with limitless opportunities for communication, work, and entertainment. On the other hand, we miss out on important moments in real life by constantly being online. Therefore, how can we find that golden mean between the virtual and the real?
The Internet — a multitude of opportunities for entertainment and more
Many people no longer remember what life seemed like before the arrival of the internet. The World Wide Web has fundamentally changed how we learn, work, entertain ourselves, and essentially, how we live. Thanks to the internet, we have access to any information. To find out how to make croissants or what the weather is like in Tokyo, we only need a few seconds and a couple of mouse clicks.
Twenty years ago, to communicate with someone from another country, we had to send a letter by mail. Now, we can chat online in real-time without getting off the couch. We can see and hear each other as if we were in the same room when we are separated by thousands of kilometres.
Today, it is not a problem to meet someone from another country; just a couple of swipes in an app, and then you are chatting with someone from Canada, Germany, or any available country in the world. Thanks to the internet, distances don’t seem to be an issue in relationships. Also, virtual dates no longer seem like something fantastic, as this is a reality accessible to everyone.
Additionally, the internet has a positive impact on education. Today, you can study programming, psychology, or languages without leaving the comfort of your home. Online courses, webinars, and lectures from top universities offer an enormous selection of educational programs. The internet has changed the way we work. Freelancing, remote jobs, and new professions mean that you can earn money while sitting on your couch at home or in a cosy café.
Negative impact of the Internet
However, in every barrel of honey, there is a spoonful of tar. The internet is no exception. Due to constant online presence, some people lose interest in real life. Instead of taking a walk in the park or reading a book, they mindlessly scroll through TikTok or get lost in yet another long-running series. Conversations with friends are replaced by texting in Messenger. Also, at family dinners, everyone looks at their phones instead of having heartfelt conversations with loved ones.
Another issue with the internet, especially social media, is the constant comparison of one’s life to the “Instagram picture.” People look at others’ travel photos, their ideal relationships, and successful careers, and they start to feel anxious about their own lives being boring and empty. This leads to anxiety and self-doubt, and can sometimes result in serious problems such as low self-esteem or depression.
In addition, more people are complaining about internet addiction. They find it difficult to spend an hour without their phone, constantly checking notifications and being more interested in what is happening on social media than in real life.
How to stay in touch with others
Nonetheless, it is possible to maintain a balance between the real and virtual worlds and to use the opportunities that the internet provides wisely. The key is to establish a few simple rules and stick to them:
Set rules for gadget usage. For example, turn off notifications after 9 PM or leave all phones in another room while you eat or rest. This way, you can regain control over your time and have more opportunities for meaningful conversations with your loved ones.
Have a “digital detox.” Set aside one day a week when you won’t use your phone or sit at the computer. Let it be a time just for yourself or for your family. You’ll be surprised at how much free time you’ll have when you don’t need to check what your friends are up to on social media every few seconds or minutes.
Find a hobby that will distract you from endless scrolling. It could be sports, drawing, cooking, board games, or reading books. The main thing is that the activity should be enjoyable and bring you joy. Please don’t force yourself to do something you don’t like, as your brain will perceive it as a punishment.
Use video chat with females for live communication. If meeting in person isn’t possible for some reason, do your best to choose online video chats over messaging Apps. A great option is CooMeet.chat. This service has a large and active audience, therefore you will find an interesting person to talk to at any time of the day or night. Thanks to the spontaneous dating format, you’ll never be bored, as you can never predict who will be on the other side of the screen. Hence, if you’re tired of endlessly swiping through profiles on Tinder, a random video chat is what you need. You can talk to someone, see and hear them as if you were in real life.
Go on dates. No video chat can replace the warmth of face-to-face communication. Therefore, don’t deny yourself the pleasure of going on a date or meeting up with friends. Take a walk in the park, chat over a cup of aromatic coffee, or attend a concert. Real emotions are more valuable than hours of messaging.
These simple tips will help you stay connected to reality and enjoy real life.
Live here and now
The internet offers us numerous opportunities to grow, work, and entertain ourselves without leaving our homes. It helps us stay informed, discover new things, and stay connected with loved ones, no matter where they are. However, it’s important to remember that real life happens here and now, beyond the screens and monitors. Therefore, finding a balance is crucial. Let gadgets be a useful tool and an addition to your life, but not its meaning and main content.
