Upon reviewing the latest statistics, I felt compelled to communicate the following sentiment to my co-host, Adrian, on the micON Podcast, using Apple Messages:

 

When you aren't representing a brand or a company, and you aren't being compensated for your posts on social media or deriving income from such activities, you aren't truly living. Instead, you're perennially glued to your device, eager to share another post.

 

This doesn't even consider the individuals who solely consume content, where the implications are graver.

 

The concept is straightforward yet often misunderstood: If you're genuinely content or fulfilled in life, there is no intrinsic need to broadcast it to the world. Conversely, those feeling inadequate often feel compelled to prove their worth, flaunting achievements or even making purchases beyond their means merely to showcase them on social platforms.

 

With the utmost respect, my humble suggestion is that instead of spending time proving oneself on social media, channel that effort more productively (not necessarily in that order):

 

• Create a podcast.
• Film a video.
• Write software.
• Read a book.
• Spend quality time with family.
• Invest in learning something new.

 

Adrian, not one to be outdone, played devil's advocate by asserting that there are individuals who derive genuine happiness from connecting with others and sharing their lives. "You can't deny them that joy," he remarked.

 

I agree, to a degree. But this isn't purely about joy. It's about bragging. True achievers seldom feel the need to display their achievements incessantly. I rarely see prominent figures who have accomplished notable feats making frivolous posts. Except for personalities like Elon Musk, most stay away from boastful exhibitions. They prefer a more reserved presence.

 

And what about friends? Shouldn't they see our pride and joys? Well, not necessarily. We utilize a dedicated Apple Messages group for family updates, sharing only what is deemed intriguing: vacations, discoveries, and recommendations. Most photos remain private, not displayed for likes and followers.

 

Friendship, to us, means face-to-face encounters as often as possible. That's a genuine social connection. Sharing a post seen by a handful of friends and countless strangers benefits no one.

 

We do so in person when we want to update those who genuinely care. If friends visit or vice versa, we exchange life updates and share pertinent photos or stories.

 

We don't indiscriminately showcase images of our families, children, or pets. Why would we?

 

If you spend 29 minutes daily, seven days a week, every month, posting on social media not for brand awareness but for personal validation, you're sacrificing over 100 hours monthly. And truthfully, it matters mainly to those as insecure as the poster.

 

I won't delve deeper into those who merely spectate on these platforms, but they belong to another category: "Look what others have, and why am I so discontented?"

 

I wish you success!