"Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive." - Elbert Hubbard
Taking the Internet too seriously is all too common. With all the fun and amazing things you can do on the web, a lot of people get caught up in things like ridiculous online arguments and obsessive devotion to online games. Maybe you treat fantasy football like it's life or death, or perhaps you have a gravely serious approach to Twitter. Well, it's time to knock that off.
Here are the five main reasons you take the Internet too seriously, and some tips on how you can get more enjoyment from the Internet, and life in general.
1. You're letting Internet trolls get to you
One of the worst ways we get caught up in fight-to-the-death online drama is because of Internet trolls. Trolls, or those who try to upset people online for no reason other than their own sick amusement, do things like start fake rumors online, spam your favorite message boards, and send you mean tweets.
The best way to deal with trolls is to simply ignore them. Don't engage them in the YouTube comments, and block them from your social media accounts. As long as you don't let a troll drag you down to his level, he has no power over you.
2. You're obsessed with your social media image
If you're constantly updating your social media profiles to portray yourself in the best possible light, you're taking social media too seriously. The same goes for people who are always comparing their life to their friends' lives on Facebook and Instagram.
I work, by the way, in social media marketing, so I am well aware of the power of social media to influence people's opinions. But unless you're using social media to grow your business or career, all the self-promotion you do on social media is pretty much pointless.
The problem with disguises, online or off, is that they prevent you from forming close relationships with people. Instead of trying to portray a perfect image on social media, try connecting with people on an honest, genuine level.
3. You're not spending enough time with your family
Today's families are not spending enough quality time together. Part of the problem is the Internet allows us to work from home and play online games 24/7 instead of interacting with those around us. Often, we become overly involved in an online world as a substitute for interacting with the people who love us most.
Think about it. Much of the time you spend frowning at your laptop screen could be spent having fun with friends and family. This weekend shut down that laptop and try to spend time with your family playing outdoors and away from distractions. The Internet will be there when you get back, I promise.
4. You have an Internet addiction
In some cases, people are unable to stop taking the Internet too seriously. You can get addicted to the Internet the same way you can get addicted to other behaviors like gambling or shopping.
Suffering from depression or addictions such as alcoholism are risk factors for Internet addiction. If you think you might be addicted to the Internet, it's a good idea to try to figure out the underlying causes of your addiction and seek the advice of a counselor or therapist.
5. You take yourself too seriously
If you take things too seriously online, there's a good chance you might just take yourself too seriously in general. Being too stiff and pretentious is rarely well-received, whether you're writing a blog post or chatting with your friends.
Do you take yourself too seriously? Try to lighten up and have some laughs every now and then. Life is more fun that way.
If you know people who take the Internet too seriously - and odds are, you do - be sure to share this blog post so we can all have a better time on the Internet.
