You’ve probably read the title by now, and have decided that this article is a complete waste of your time. Yet another piece by another hypocritical writer bashing on you for using social media, when god knows they probably do the same.

I’m not denying it. I do. But not often. Yes, the occasional Beyonce sing-a-long, or “look at my dog!” snap is in order. And yes, my Facebook will most likely always be flooded with shares of the latest news (from the reign of Taiwan’s first female president to confirming my attendance at the most random Facebook events), however the extent to which I use other social media networks, e.g, Twitter, Instagram, whatever other apps there are, currently is minimal to none.

In fact, I almost am never in need of a social media detox. However, for many teenagers, this is not the case.

What started as innocent vanity showmanship has become a deep desire for attention or validation. Validation and appreciation that should be raw, that should be earned truthfully and genuinely. Not received from a quick notification or fire emoji. It strains me to even use a word as sacred as respect while talking about a generation that is being drugged, poisoned, and enslaved by digital maniacs.

Conversations with friends have gone from, “Hey! Want to get lunch?” to “Can you RT?” It seems silly to think about, even to write about (I assure you) but this toxic wasteland of platforms made to recycle and produce false, and faulty affirmations is only becoming more poisonous by generation. These unhealthy habits are not limited to one specific gender either.

For example, for both men and women, the concept of beauty has been torn, modified and recreated into something that is as far away as possible from the true meaning of the word. Beauty as per the creation of social media is no longer a pure internal and external balance, but it has become something that is solely measured on the level of aesthetic or the quality/amount of feedback received.

In a way, we have all become our own worst critics, as we continuously allow ourselves to absorb messages and thoughts about always needing to fix ourselves; and trying to align ourselves with these ridiculous standards created by others for us. Although the “pressure” is always on, perhaps with a less clogged mindset we will be able to strive for our own, very individual definition of beauty.

The traditional and very genuine means in which one acknowledges the other’s beauty has been compromised. This mental imbalance, and dangerous addiction is proving to pose as a major problem for both genders. Affecting the ways in which we see each other not only through our gorilla glass screens, but in reality.

The ill impairments of social media are not limited to just the web. This separation based on popularity is carried into our own world, distorting friendly communication and original perception. It also steals from us the ability to experience, understand and embrace raw emotions that we face in the human world. We develop a blurry sense of authenticity, and once we come in contact with true goodness and purity, it is no longer appealing, or even recognizable to us.

So take a step back. And contemplate your actions. I’m not advising you to rid yourself of all or any forms of social media. I’m simply suggesting we consider and acknowledge that it really might be affecting us negatively.

Social media can be a beautiful place. Trust me, I’m all about receiving quick inspiration and information from pictures, videos and words worldwide – that I may not always have time to absorb in my day to day life. I’m also for posting (when I do) pictures or messages that embody the beauty of self appreciation, or the beauty of spreading awareness. But we cannot, and must not keep too firm a grip on the dangerous satisfaction we receive from a platform where even our own identities are manipulated and forfeited. Where the greatest form of intimacy is achieved through a “direct message.”

In our increasingly technological society, we must not digitize our emotions. Even if they come in the form endearing, colorful emoticons. We cannot sacrifice or replace the only thing that seems to make us human. The unique and real emotions that have been defining us as “humans” for centuries.

We must stop carelessly throwing away concepts as pure and precious as beauty or respect to those who have only gained said “respect” or “beauty” from the amount of retweets received or a filter on their picture. But with some self-control and realization, we too can revive ourselves from the inhumane means in which we currently seek happiness and assurance. Although it will not be easy, we can transform social media into the place it should be – a spot for stimulating conversations, a place where genuinity is found in every comment or like – and most of all, an outlet for creativity, individuality and voice.

A place where “#flawless” selfies are indeed flawless, posted from deep within, born from a sense of genuine, self-appreciation and self-love rather than an artificial longing for attention. A place where you can indulge in news, laughter and inspiration.

Many may ridicule or disregard such warnings against the temptations of social media, and that is fine. It is not a choice that I make for you, but a choice you must make for yourself. The maturity that comes with balancing your actions and acknowledging your own problems rather than others’ is not easily attained.

So try not to think of this as a warning against social media, but a warning against yourself. Let us choose to live in a time where we use social media to enhance and not compare. A time of indulgence and self control.