Pop singer Madonna in a recent interview spoke about her views on the popular social media network, Instagram. She stated: “You get caught up in comparing yourself to other people. Should I be like that, act like that, look like that? Will that make me more popular, or more successful? People are a slave to winning other’s approvals. I refuse to bend a knee to convention and what society expects of me as a woman.”

Madonna also added that she felt “Instagram is made to make you feel bad.” She said that she was lucky to have a life before social media became such a huge phenomenon: “I was lucky enough to have a life as an artist before the phone and Instagram and social media because I did have that time to develop as an artist and a human without feeling the pressure of judgment of other people or comparing myself to other people.”

There is a lot of truth in what the Queen of Pop has said. Instagram and other social networking sites and online applications are coming into the limelight for their harmful effects and concerns about child safety. The negative effects of social media continue to rise and include depression, anxiety, cyberbullying, negative body image, FOMO, unrealistic expectations of life, unhealthy sleep and eating patterns and addiction. In addition, they can also lead to physical issues such as eye problems, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, fatigue and even an increased risk of cardiovascular issues. If you find yourself on the phone all the time, maybe it’s time to consider a detox. And by the way, people are available offline too.