Isn’t it the strangest thing that “social networking systems,” developed within a virtual reality of global frameworks known as the internet based in binary content (the numbers 0 & 1), birthed at CERN in 1989, processed by “browsers” and tiny intricate machines in our hands, can have such a massive influence on our BRAINS and MINDS and BODIES and SOCIAL CONNECTIONS and TIME -- our life?

Take a long look at this compelling street art image on North 3rd in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It speaks for itself. I am currently preparing to embark on a true digital detox the week of 3/10. Yeah!!

Don’t take me wrong, I don’t think social media is inherently bad. Social media has many marvelous aspects to it, that is for sure. But it unfortunately also has a dark side, one that seems to have many addictive and possibly adverse qualities.

I go through cycles of having a solidly healthy relationship with social media, being able to use it in small increments for what it’s really good for - connecting with others, seeking inspiration, nourishing creativity, practicing writing, finding excellent recipes...

Then there are the times - and I bet most of us can relate - where I feel compelled to check *it* over and again. I loathe that feeling of being compelled to do things I am not actively choosing. Is it two sides of the same coin? Or the polarities of a magnet? Or the two edges of a swinging pendulum?

What are your thoughts? How do you manage this all pervasive but abstract world of social media? Comment below, I’d love to know!

Here are some interesting articles, take a read: social media's effects on our mental health, "social media is making us dumber," social media and body image, social media and the brain.

See you in two weeks! ♥️

The Year of Yes is a weekly photo-and-word installment by Dr. Shah written with the purpose of evoking hope, resilience, and a gentle movement toward healthy change in all of us.