As a human being, we need more love and togetherness to grow rather than being alone with the internet and opinions which can be detrimental to one’s mental health.

By Dheeksha Rabindra

As we end 2023 and move to 2024, the age of the internet also moves ahead bringing in new products and services to customers. Along with that it also brings an increasing dependency of humans on the internet and technology. One can comfortably sit in one’s room for hours together, watching a movie or series, reading content, ordering clothes, and ordering food without even moving a step. Everything is available at a click of a mouse.

You gain every information and knowledge be it political, economic, social, fashion, travel, mental well-being, and others, and form strong opinions with the help of the internet.  Of late one’s personality and individuality are also shaped by the internet, rather than experiencing life and forming one’s individuality.

If one says humans cannot live in isolation as he is a social animals, the counterargument is I am more comfortable in my den with the internet than meeting people. According to Aristotle, a man who lives in isolation is either God or Beast. Are we Gods or Beasts?

God is all forgiving, does not judge, accepts everyone for who he/she is, detached, according to the internet 3 characteristics of God are – omniscience, omnipotence, and omnibenevolence, while, beast can be easily considered as the opposite of God. What are we? We are neither God nor Beast, let’s be just humans and socialize and build experiences rather than be chained by the internet.  

Building relationships based on love rather than ideology involves prioritizing understanding, empathy, and mutual respect over differences in beliefs and opinions. Here are 5 things to contemplate this new year to break the chains of the internet and be more human:

Keep away from the internet: First and foremost, consciously switch off the internet and step out to see the world rather than make the internet your world. Allocate specific time for internet use and stick to these limits. We are so used to watching and reading what is convenient to our beliefs and validating it online, that we become less tolerant of others’ opinions. This year, pledge to step out and be more resilient in accepting opposite opinions rather than validating your opinions by the internet.

Detach from opinions: We are living in a world where families fight with each other due to differences in political or social opinions formed by reading online/social media. Having dinner at the same table and respecting differences of opinion/belief of each other has become a rarity. We need to choose our battles wisely. It is time to think about whether political opinion is important or if spending good time with the other person with love is important. This new year, learn to detach from others’ opinions and not use opinions as a weapon.

Step out and socialize: Do not burn your bridges due to opinions formed within four walls rather than experiencing them. Go out with your friends and family, even if your opinion differs from one another. Spend more time outside than inside.  Explore hobbies or activities that do not involve the Internet.

Avoid judgment: Refrain from judging or criticizing the other person’s beliefs or ideologies. Instead, seek to understand their perspective and discuss differences in a non-confrontational manner. Do not try to convince the other person to accept your point of view or try to change the other person to accept your ideology. Accept the other person for what he/she is.

Build relationships on love rather than ideologies: Cherish your relationships for humane reasons – love, friendship, happiness, and sadness rather than just ideologies. And create memories and experiences with your loved ones for yourself and not for the internet. Value friendships, and family for love and happiness rather than giving more importance to ideologies. 

As a human, we need more love and togetherness to grow rather than being alone with the internet and opinions which can be detrimental to one’s mental health. Step out and explore.