Karma is a Sanskrit term that literally means “action” or “doing.” In the Buddhist tradition, karma refers more specifically to action driven by intention….. that leads to future consequences.
The link between karma and energy
Karma does not imply that you get rewards or punishments because of your actions. Instead, it describes an energetic exchange with yourself. You create, power and experience your own actions and what they may lead to. Rather than thinking of an action as a straight shot like an arrow hitting a target, if you imagine a circle it gets closer to describing what happens. Your thoughts, feelings, and words lead to actions that continue to fuel your life’s karmic cycle, often repeating familiar patterns.
How social media impacts our karma
So, how does this relate to social media? Social media refers to the means by which people interact with each other to create, share, and/or exchange information and ideas in virtual communities and networks.
Putting together the concepts of karma and social media. Interacting with social media fuels your thoughts, feelings, and words, creating action (karma). This activity becomes part of a cycle that can have powerful effects on you. Every uploaded comment or photo ripples through your connections and beyond, and we can’t anticipate the consequences. For example, if our self-worth is bound to this process, we are very likely to suffer from any negative responses that are made.
The power of “likes”
Self-worth or personal reinforcement is actually a big reason that many people seek interaction with social media. Many people post to boost self-esteem and feel a sense of belonging in their social circles. Using social media activates the brain’s reward center by releasing dopamine when we get noticed in a positive way. The possibility of getting that desired outcome of a “like” can keep us engaged and addicted to coming back again and again to check on how many “likes” we are getting!
“ However, even those we don’t always get positive results, just like playing slot machines, it’s the possibility of a “like” that keeps us returning Can you make it, “ However, even those we don alw get positive results, just like playing slot machines, it’s the possibility of a “like” that keeps us returning.
Before long, we may find our time on our devices increasing. When we spend too much time on social media, research suggests that can negatively affect the quality of our in-person relationships, and also increase feelings of jealousy and insecurity. Most people posting tend to share only the highlights of their lives on social media, creating unrealistic expectations for those following these glowing messages from influencers or friends.
The lasting impression of our “social” interactions
Another big problem with social media and karma right now is the large number of social and political communications being shared. These can trigger our emotions and cause our fingers to tap out and send a response that can’t be undone. Beyond affecting our feelings, a British study tied social media use to decreased, disrupted, and delayed sleep—which is further associated with depression, memory loss, and negative effects on physical health.
How to stay social and mindful
So….are you feeling inspired to curtail your time spent scrolling? Leaving or greatly reducing social media interaction decreases these risks while enabling feelings of focus and calm. It may boost your ability to sleep well and enhance your mental well-being.
To deepen your ability to sever a strong habit of checking your apps every few minutes when you go to pick up your phone, try interrupting your pattern by taking three deep breaths. Get present and check in with your intentions. If you make this effort, you will find that it can make a real difference. This is good news for our cycle of karma as it relates to social media.
