Read the texts
Jake, 22
University student
I check my phone more than 50 times a day. I know that sounds a lot, but it just happens automatically. Last year I deleted Instagram for a whole month and I actually felt much more relaxed and less anxious. Now I only use it for direct messages, not for scrolling through posts. I think social media makes people compare themselves to others all the time, and that comparison is often unfair because people only share the best parts of their lives.
Maya, 19
Graphic designer
For me, social media is not just entertainment -- it is part of my job. I use it to share my design work and find inspiration from other artists. On a typical day I spend around four hours online across different platforms. I do worry about how much screen time I have, but I find it genuinely difficult to reduce it when so much of my work depends on being connected. I think technology has completely changed the way creative people work and share ideas.
Omar, 25
Teacher
About six months ago I introduced a no-phones rule in my classroom, and the difference has been remarkable. My students are significantly more focused during lessons and we have much better discussions. Outside school, I do use technology for planning lessons and finding resources, but when it comes to personal time I strongly prefer face-to-face interaction with friends and family. Every night before bed I read a physical book rather than looking at a screen.
Priya, 21
Blogger
I actually earn money through Instagram, which is amazing but also quite a lot of pressure. I post new content every single day and currently have around 50,000 followers. I have to admit that sometimes I make my life look more perfect than it really is -- things like choosing the right background or editing photos to look better than reality. It bothers me a little because I genuinely believe authenticity is important, especially for younger followers who might compare themselves to what they see.
True or False?
1Jake deleted Instagram for a month and felt more stressed during that time.
2Jake believes social media encourages unfair comparisons between people.
3Maya uses social media only for personal entertainment.
4Maya finds it hard to spend less time online because of her work.
5Omar banned phones in his classroom about six months ago.
6Omar uses technology for everything in his personal life as well as at work.
7Priya has more than 50,000 followers on Instagram.
8Priya sometimes presents her life as more perfect than it actually is.