The Ugly Side Of Social Media You Didn't Know

As of the third quarter of 2017, Facebook had 2.07 billion monthly active users. There is no way we can deny that social media is a part of our lives in this age. Whilst social media trends continues to sky-rocket, there are also downsides that individuals are starting to realise which results in some wanting to do away with it, or going on social media fasts to steer clear of addiction. What is the reason behind this craze that has taken the world by storm? And why should we care about how much or little social media consumption we are getting? Here is a selection of 5 books that reveals the uglier side of social media usage, exploring how social media has changed our thinking, and how we should perhaps stay away from it?

1. The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains by Nicholas Carr

“Is Google making us stupid?”, Nicolas Carr rang the alarm we all have deep down in our minds, that the internet is changing our thinking. The way we are finding for information has become so different as the internet makes it so easy for us to find rapid bits of information from varied sources, that perhaps we aren’t using our brains to its full potential. This book explores not only how social communication methods and channels have changed, but how our brain is affected by this phenomena. Expect this to be your new informative read, and learn about the unrevealed connection of the internet and us.

Reading Duration: 6hrs 16mins

Get The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains on Amazon at $10.30

2. The Facebook Diet: 50 Funny Signs of Facebook Addiction and Ways to Unplug with a Digital Detox by Gemini Adams 

A fun, quick read for all the severely addicted to social media people out there. With 50 cartoons illustrating “You Know You’re a Facebook Addict When…?”, you can enjoy having a laugh at your embarrassing, cringe-worthy moments when you find yourself agreeing to those examples. This makes for a good reflection of your social media habits. Loaded with digital detox tips, get ready for a week or more of social media fasting!

Reading Duration: 3hrs 1min

Get The Facebook Diet: 50 Funny Signs of Facebook Addiction and Ways to Unplug with a Digital Detox on Amazon at $9.99

3. Trust Me, I’m Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator by Ryan Holiday

Social media can build, or destroy something in 1 day. One rumour can cost a company millions of dollars. The former Marketing Director of American Apparel and media manipulator, Ryan Holiday reveals the hidden agendas in the media industry, and how some big blogs can control and distort news. This book sheds light into how the media industry really works, giving you new insight into the content that you have been viewing. You wont look at your favorite blog or website the same way again after reading this insider’s insight!

Reading Duration: 6hrs 36mins

Get Trust Me, I’m Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator on Amazon at $11.65

4. Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect by Matthew D. Lieberman

Can you believe our need to connect with people is more fundamental than our need for food and shelter? In this book, Lieberman explains scientifically why are we engineered to be social animals, turned many traditional theories upside down, and prove that our psychological need weighs more than our biological need. Interestingly, Lieberman also addresses the way of management, minimising social distraction, and opposes the traditional method, giving insight to innovative solutions to improve our productivity at school and business environment backed up by science.

Reading Duration: 7hrs 56mins

Get Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect on Amazon at $13.29

5. Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business by Neil Postman

Back then we had TV, now it has evolved to smartphones. Technology evolves, people don’t, the author addressed ways media has shaped our lives back in 1985, and alert us to be aware of the influence brought by media (specifically Television). The relevancy never disappears, and the same theory is applied by many authors, suggesting the same effect social media has brought to us. Visual media (including social media and TV) have transformed us, into visual animals, craving for more drama, flashing pictures, and music, lowering our attention span, turning us from the literate-oriented culture into a new age, leaving us to debate the good and the bad. Get your hands on this decade-old read, and reflect it in 2017.

Reading Duration: 4hrs 17mins

Get Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business on Amazon at $10.87

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