Majid Al-Marzouki said that after seeing hundreds of travel photos and videos posted by the dozens of people he follows on Snapchat, he was left wondering what the reasons behind this peculiar photography obsession and the broadcasting of inconsequential details of life are. "The luxury of life displayed through Snapchat often evokes the feelings of followers of such accounts. They are meaningless and do not add value to the viewers' knowledge," said Al-Marzouki. He added that instead of living in the moment and enjoying the beauty of nature, people become preoccupied with updating the app for their viewers as if they were journalists reporting an important topic. "Some travelers have changed the concept of travel with their skills and abilities to convey beautiful pictures on visited sites. While others, provided no adequate and interesting information except publically displaying every detail of their private life," he said. Specific goals Omar Al-Rushoud, an investor in the tourism sector, said it is important that users identify specific goals for using social media and apps such as Snapchat. "Because when following celebrities, apps become ways of making lots of negative comparisons that bring about bitterness. Not everything people show on social media is real. These are selected moments that show the best of one's life, which is problematic. There are people who have the desire to travel for photography purposes and to expand their knowledge, but many fail to reap the benefits of travel and getting to know different cultures because of their obsession with showing off," said Al-Rushoud. Inferiority complex Jeddah-based psychiatrist Dr. Mohammed Al-Hamed said being addicted to social media is not a local issue but a global trend. "Conservative societies though suffer from closed mindedness and an inferiority complex which leads to lack of self-worth, doubt and uncertainty, and feelings of not measuring up to standards," said Al-Hamad. He added that people seek inclusion and fear social backlash so they use apps in unhealthy ways to make up for what is missing. "This is a problem due to the inferiority complex resulting from isolation. It is disturbing to see this become fashionable and trendy." Compensatory process Dr. Al-Hamed said modern life lacks genuine communication and interaction so social media has become the default communication method. "Social media must be used in a conscious and moderate manner so we don't lose real communication values and future generations don't lose key social networking and interpersonal skills," he said while expressing hope that there will be serious attempts to promote a balanced and moderate understanding of being technologically savvy while also having respect for the mind and public taste.
