The Rising Toxicity Around Us: Finding Yourself in a Distracted World

The Rising Toxicity Around Us: Finding Yourself in a Distracted World

Toxicity seems to be growing everywhere—whether it’s in online spaces or real-life interactions. Social media has amplified voices but also created an environment where people seem less mindful, less connected to themselves, and increasingly detached from introspection. It’s heartbreaking to hear this sentiment echoed almost everywhere I go.

Just yesterday, as I was exiting a restaurant, the security guard shared his frustrations about how people have changed. “They don’t talk or meet each other anymore,” he said. “They’re too toxic.”(all in hindi, ofcourse ) There was a desperation in his tone that felt so heavy, as though my simple smile and thank you had compelled him to unburden himself.

Other people share similar experiences, and each time, it feels like an outburst, a cry for help that lands directly on my face as I engage with them. The pattern is undeniable: people feel disconnected, unheard, and weighed down by the toxicity they perceive around them.

The Root Cause: A Disconnect From Ourselves

Before we can fix the external world, we need to start with the internal. Disconnecting from social media is not just about reducing screen time; it’s about reconnecting with your inner self.

Instead of bombarding yourself with the endless stream of validation and instant gratification offered by social media, pause. Realize that much of what you see online is simply a reflection of your current thought process. Algorithms are designed to mirror back what you engage with, turning your scrolling into an echo chamber of your own ideas and emotions.

Take a step back. Ask yourself:

Am I truly in control of my thoughts?

Am I consciously choosing what I believe and how I feel?

By giving in to the constant need for external validation, you hand over control of your emotions and self-worth to something outside of yourself. Don’t let your identity be shaped by fleeting likes, comments, or reels designed to keep you hooked.

Practical Steps to Reconnect

Here’s what you can do to find balance and bring authenticity back into your life: 

Start Small Moments of Introspection:
Dedicate a few minutes daily to reflect. Whether it’s journaling, meditating, or simply sitting in silence, this time is about rediscovering yourself. 

Be Mindful of What You Consume:
Choose uplifting and positive content when engaging online. Surround yourself with thoughts, ideas, and people that align with the person you want to be. 

Limit Social Media Time:
Set boundaries for how much time you spend scrolling. Create “social media-free” zones or times during your day. 

Rebuild Real-Life Connections:
Call a friend, invite family over, or strike up a meaningful conversation with someone around you. Real connections can counter the negativity often felt in online spaces. 

Be the Energy You Want to Attract:
Approach others with kindness, patience, and understanding. You’ll find that these small actions ripple out, creating a more positive environment for everyone you interact with.

Let Challenges Pass Like the Wind

One of the most freeing realizations is that not everything requires your reaction or attention. Whether your child, friend, or colleague is going through something challenging—or even if you are—know that these moments, like the wind, will pass. Getting triggered or fussing over situations often exacerbates them. Instead, approach these moments with calm and trust. Give yourself and others the grace to grow without pressure. 

The Power to Choose
Here’s the truth: the power to change this toxic cycle lies in your hands. Each choice you make—how you interact with others, how you spend your time, how you respond to negativity—shapes the environment around you. You may be unconsciously choosing behaviors that aren’t truly you. It’s time to pause, reflect, and find yourself. When you reconnect with who you are, you’ll notice a shift in how you interact with the world—and how the world interacts with you.

The Vision: A Better, Kinder World

Imagine a world where people listen more than they speak, where conversations are rooted in empathy rather than control, and where everyone takes responsibility for the energy they bring into a space.

Can you create an environment where authenticity and kindness replace toxicity and distraction?

As Oprah Winfrey wisely said, “You are responsible for the energy you bring into this space.” The power to shift the dynamic is in your hands. Every small choice—how you listen, how you act, how you connect—creates ripples that can transform not just your life, but the lives of those around you.
Thank you for Reading  for taking the first step for yourself. 

Every moment of reflection and action you choose today brings you closer to creating an environment filled with authenticity, kindness, and peace.