Facebook addiction

I was reading an article in a Bengali daily where it was said that social media platform Facebook is the new cigarette as it is harmful and addictive. This is most likely true.
The internet has become an integral part of our modern life. People are using Facebook regularly. They cannot even think of life without internet and facebook. Often we see young people spending inappropriate amount of time on Facebook. Some spend around two to three hours of the day in Facebook. This affects their personal and professional life.
It's much worse for children and teenagers. Facebook does not allow anywhere under 13 years of age to open accounts in their platform. However, many children are giving false information about their age to open accounts. They use Facebook to communicate with friends, make new friends, post photos, share thoughts and other things.
Given their age, these children often post photos on social media that they should not. They also trust strangers, who may have ulterior motives.
This is why parents need to keep an eye on their children and their activities. Random use of Facebook for children under 13 years of age can be harmful.
Extensive Facebook use can also affect health. Many people browse Facebook even while in bed at night. This affects their sleep patterns. Looking at the lit screen for hours can also harm the eyes of users. Not finding enough positive feedback or after being trolled by cyber bullies, most Facebook users face depression.
It is a good thing that some users are now realising these problems. Some are closing down Facebook accounts for good. Others are limiting their daily Facebook time, so that they can spend more time with actual interaction with friends and family members.
Parents can explain to their children why and how Facebook can become an addiction. Those over 13 years of age can be given a time limit for browsing facebook. Rather than spending time on Facebook or other social media platforms, they can go for a stroll outside or meet with friends.
People should not allow their virtual lives to take over their real lives.
Rumana Sharmeen
Dhaka University