Social media is no longer just an online pastime—it is a powerful force that shapes how we connect, communicate, and consume the world around us. From discovering global communities to sharing our voices and learning new ideas, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Snapchat have become deeply woven into the fabric of everyday life. But while social media offers unprecedented access and opportunity, it also brings with it hidden consequences that can quietly undermine our mental health, self-worth, and productivity.In this insightful TEDx talk, Prerna Basu challenges viewers to think again about their daily relationship with social media. This isn’t about deleting apps or demonizing technology—but about taking a step back to examine the true cost of constant connectivity. The talk highlights how the endless scroll, fear of missing out, algorithmic manipulation, and comparison culture can all take a serious toll on emotional wellbeing and effective time management—especially for young people.But this conversation is not just about what's wrong. It’s about reclaiming control.Prerna Basu also explores the positive power of social media: how it can be used as a tool for personal growth, education, creative expression, and social empowerment when approached with intention and boundaries. Whether it's building healthy digital habits, curating more uplifting content, or simply taking meaningful breaks, this talk is filled with practical strategies to help audiences transform how they engage online.By shifting our mindset and rethinking our usage, we can go from being passive consumers of content to active creators of purpose.Aligned with the TEDx theme “Think Again,” this talk is an invitation to pause, reflect, and reimagine our digital lives—not by rejecting social media, but by choosing to use it wisely and meaningfully. Social media is an essential part of everyone's lives. It's a platform to connect, discover communities, and share information. There is no denying that social media has greatly impacted everyone’s lives. However, its effect on mental health and time management is often underestimated. Thus, we must ‘think again’ about the role social media plays in our daily lives, and instead focus on how to employ social media in a way that positively contributes. This talk will explore both the negative and positive effects of social media and how to transform the way that we engage with social media so we can foster personal growth and empowerment. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx