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People are connected more than ever, thanks to social media that is ever-present like the air we breathe. It has undeniably transformed the way we interact with one another. However, amidst the seemingly endless sea of connectivity, one paradoxical phenomenon has emerged—social isolation. Originally, social media was designed to bridge the gap and foster human connection. However, as its presence grows in our lives, so does the burning question: does social media really connect us, or is it slowly driving us towards isolation and loneliness?
According to research, the more time you spend on social media, the more likely you are to feel lonely. The time spent scrolling through the pictures of people’s happiness on social media actually fueled loneliness and distress, possibly driven by jealousy. (Wang, et al, 2020). Another study stated that using social media as a tool to maintain connections with others can drive people more toward feelings of loneliness, resulting from disappointed expectations. According to it, virtual interactions may not be adequate substitutes for face-to-face conversations and shared experiences. (Bonsaksen T, et al, 2023).
To understand the connection between social media usage and increasing isolation among people, we reached out to Dr Preeti, Sr Consultant, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, CMO Lissun.
Understanding Social Isolation
Social isolation, at its core, is a state in which an individual lacks a sense of social belongingness, true engagement with others, and fulfilling relationships. In the digital era, social isolation comes as a debatable topic, given the constant stream of online interactions. However, it's important to differentiate between the quantity and quality of these interactions.
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How Social Media Drives Loneliness?
Superficiality
“One of the biggest drawbacks of social media interactions is that most of the connections made here are superficial. Sadly, people are different online from what they are offline,” says Dr Preeti. Online conversations often lack the depth and nuance of face-to-face communication, leading to misunderstandings stemming from the absence of non-verbal cues such as body language and tone of voice. Digital connections may eventually leave individuals feeling unheard or misunderstood.
Temporary Happiness
“Going online can feel self-fulfilling at first. When you connect to people online, it gives you a temporary sense of satisfaction, but in reality, it's just the way you feed your loneliness. At the end of the day, social media makes you cut off from the real world and real-life connections. The absence of physical presence and non-verbal cues can exacerbate an increased feeling of loneliness," said Dr Preeti.
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Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
Social media highlights the most exciting, filtered aspects of people’s lives, which makes others feel like they are missing out on something. Watching others flaunt their seemingly perfect relationships leads to an intensified feeling of loneliness among people.
All in all, the addictive nature of digital devices plays a major role in fueling a sense of loneliness among people. The prolonged use of social media makes people disconnect from the real world and the authentic experiences of life.
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