I often find myself nostalgic for the days before cell phones. It’s challenging to say that the 1990s were completely wonderful for me, as it was a time marked by the war in Croatia, where Serbian forces attacked our people. My father was a defender of our beautiful country, which brought immense stress to my mother and me as a young girl, anxiously waiting to see if he would return safely. Thankfully, Croatia gained its independence, thanks to the bravery of my father and other warriors, and my father came back home, alive and well. Despite this turmoil, the 90s held a unique beauty.
The music, the style, the emotions of the 90s… There was a palpable sense of freedom, a feeling that made your heart dance. Every day felt like an episode from a beloved TV series. We spent our time outdoors, on the streets, in parks, or at friends’ homes. We embraced the spirit of the era, trying to be cool and soaking in the vibes. The lyrics of the songs often carried deeper meanings than most movies of that time. Musicians were not only expressing dissatisfaction with the status quo but also yearning for change. Alternatively, they were so enraptured by love that each song captured that exhilarating feeling of falling for someone.
Love is the motivation behind everything, after all.
Times have undeniably changed. While change is a constant, it appears that we have become so engrossed in being obedient servants to technology and societal demands that we have forgotten how to live in the moment. The advancements in technology have brought numerous benefits, yet equally as many drawbacks. The constant flow of information and the fast-paced lifestyle make us crave immediacy and instant gratification. This frenzy has reached a point where people feel entitled to walk down the street, eyes glued to their mobile phones, oblivious to those around them.
Imagine how isolating and, perhaps, saddening it must be to retreat into a virtual world, missing the real one as it passes by unnoticed.
Continuing with the example of people walking on the street, engrossed in their cell phones and listening to music, it baffles me that society has not yet educated them about the dangers and rudeness of such behaviour. It seems we have become so engrossed in our personal bubbles that we overlook the importance of real human connections and awareness of our surroundings.
You are not only endangering yourself, but others as well who have to have to watch out for you in traffic because you selfishly think that nothing is more important than your message or Instagram story that you could look at later when you get home, and not often.
Why don’t you stop, look around and learn to enjoy the moment. Nothing will escape you on your cell phone, that cell phone just steals your time anyway.
On the other hand, people yearn so deeply for love that they have turned to instant applications, forming impressions based solely on pictures without experiencing the person’s energy or chemistry. That chemistry, the feeling that your souls have known each other forever, is irreplaceable. Nowadays, people seek immediate partnerships to fulfill societal expectations, leading to relationships and marriages that often dissolve just as quickly.
While love can indeed be found through apps, as in any other place, nothing can replace the magic of meeting someone in person, feeling their energy, and getting to know them slowly and patiently. Love cannot be rushed. Social networks, on the other hand, create the illusion of perfect lives based on curated images. Those who constantly share their lives to prove something to others often end up being the saddest, dependent on external validation.
When it comes to love, I believe in being content with oneself rather than seeking love constantly. Love happens when you least expect it. I focus on enjoying my own company, and love will find its way if it’s meant to be.
Unfortunately, cell phones and social networks have become the most pervasive drugs of the 21st century. The creators of these systems knew what they were doing, though they may not have foreseen the full extent of their impact. Now, people often walk with their heads down, lost in their screens, missing the beauty of the world around them—the trees, the roads, the sky. Social networks steal precious time, filling it with content that detracts from real-life experiences.
This constant comparison and exposure to other people’s lives can lead to a sense of inadequacy and longing to be in someone else’s shoes. This is completely wrong. One should not compare their life to others but celebrate their unique journey, with all its highs and lows. These moments are yours, and that’s what makes them so valuable.
The distraction of social networks has fostered a selfish, egocentric society where many believe they are stars because they have followers on Instagram. Followers, instead of thinking for themselves, often waste time on unnecessary content, missing the chance to engage in meaningful actions. While social networks can be a tool for mass communication and cooperation, it requires effort to use them for positive purposes.
Some people genuinely try to use social networks to convey meaningful messages and uphold values, rather than showcasing superficial aspects of life. I feel most concerned for young people, as social networks seem to steal their lives mercilessly. Students once sparked revolutions, but now many are engrossed in their screens, pursuing degrees only because they’ve been told it’s necessary for societal status and well-paid jobs. This is a lie, as true value should not depend on societal status.
In this vicious cycle, many find themselves constantly proving their worth, dreaming of freedom but trapped in an endless loop. Those who are happiest and most powerful often don’t need Instagram to validate themselves. They are content and enjoy their lives as they are.
If you devote just 30% of the time you spend on social networks to thinking about how to improve society with your actions, the potential for positive change is immense. Dreams can become reality—so, can you kick it? Of course, you can. The decision is yours.
Love,
Petra x
