By Naseerah Nanabhai

Social media is a major part of our lives and with so much access to the world around us, we are heavily affected by what we see on the internet. Which raises the question of whether social media limits or encourages our creativity.

Studies point out addiction to social media sites as a cause of reduced engaged in productive work. To an extent that certain companies choose to block social media sites from their network in order for employees to focus on the tasks at hand. Other studies state that social media makes one lose their sense of real life. Meaning that despite the digital world allowing us to speak to people from different regions, it stands in the way of real-life social communication.

Other research on the topic highlights social media as a source of inspiration. The different types of media posted online, that people view can help with exploring new ideas and serve as inspiration for their own projects. Additionally, feedback from followers can provoke new thought processes and ideas.

Social media has its pros and its cons. It allows us to feel less isolated, helps us connect and communicate with different people and allows us immediate access to opinions and information on anything and everything.  But it can also be addictive, cause one to be non- or less productive and often waste our time.

Despite the dependency of many people on social media, the correct use of it can help people seek inspiration, design new things and come up with incredible ideas.