Digital Puppets

We often find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of labels—choosy, judgmental, introverted, extroverted, talkative, silent, good, bad. We spend endless hours categorizing ourselves, trying to define who we are and who we are not. But in this constant quest for self-definition, we often lose sight of the most important question: Who am I, truly?

In the digital age, this self-categorization extends beyond our thoughts and into our online behavior. We curate our lives on social media, choosing to engage with only those who align with our interests or provide us with validation. Out of hundreds of messages, we respond to a select few, ignoring the rest. Yet, we yearn for likes, comments, and followers—digital puppets to affirm our existence.

This paradox deepens our sense of loneliness. We claim to be alone, yet we don’t invest time in building meaningful connections. At home, we ignore our families, engrossed in Instagram reels and chats. When we’re away, we miss them. We fail to balance work and life, often neglecting our own well-being in the process.

The truth is, achieving balance isn’t about separating work from life; it’s about balancing our minds. A few minutes spent genuinely connecting with loved ones—be it a parent, partner, or friend—can be more fulfilling than hours spent online.

To find balance, start by giving time to yourself. Respect your own needs and emotions. Don’t be a puppet to digital validation or seek to control others through your online presence. Instead, seek authenticity. Disconnect to reconnect—with yourself and with those who truly matter.

Remember, the journey to self-discovery begins when we stop defining ourselves by external labels and start embracing our true selves. Find you.