Hello. My name is Meghan, and I am often not an outstanding example of contentment.

I’ve been on this earth for 26 years. For the majority of my life, I’ve been puzzled by mysterious illnesses and chronic ailments that have riddled my front lawn with “Do not cross” signs. It’s often felt like I’m being held back from doing what I love and living “a normal life.”

Controlled by tight schedules, busyness has become the badge of honor modern Americans wear like a purple heart. Some add a martyr complex to the already strained struggle, even if the consuming activities aren’t necessarily, well, necessary.

From political arguments with family and friends, time-sucking Facebook snooping, unhealthy comparisons, and TMI moments, most of us have witnessed the ugly side of social media. But what are the driving forces behind what we share, write, and comment on, and why do we feel the urge to compulsively check social networks several times a day?