Social media platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok have changed how we connect with others. While these platforms create chances for increased interaction through the click of a button, they can often lead to feelings of isolation and withdrawal. Although online apps allow easy access to instant communication, they ultimately lead to the exact opposite: severe disconnection and the reduction of in-person relationships.
When social media was first introduced, it was praised as a way to improve connections and communicate with others. However, research has shown that these platforms may have a significant negative impact on real-life relationships. According to Psychology Today, social media disconnect occurs when people become more engaged and focused online, leading to a detachment with reality. Increased online involvement can shift attention and time away from face-to-face interaction, making virtual connections seem more convenient than in-person ones. While social media is marketed as a way to provide connection, this supposed connection is an illusion due to the frequent feelings of isolation reported among avid users of social media platforms.
The statistics that support these social media trends are substantial. A report from CNBC stated that 71 percent of heavy social media users reported feelings of loneliness. This significant number raises questions about the nature of relationships being created through these platforms. The University of Pennsylvania also conducted a study on social media usage. This study found that participants who were restricted to using only ten minutes per platform each day versus participants who had unrestricted social media time had a significant decrease in feelings of loneliness and depression.
In my experience, specifically at family gatherings, I have noticed a frequent pattern of teenagers aimlessly scrolling through their feeds. At the same time, the adults continually check their email instead of talking with family. My extended family only sees each other a few times each year, so it is confusing to comprehend why people put social media before time with family. According to Harvard University, notifications from social media platforms trigger a dopamine release in the brain. In return, this release encourages the brain to continue checking back for more notifications, hoping to be fulfilled by another dopamine hit. According to Pew Research Center, 67 percent of cellphone users find themselves checking for notifications, even when they aren’t present.
You could suggest that social media enables quick and easy connections, which allows people to communicate instantly regardless of the distance between them. While these quick connections can be beneficial for reaching a friend at any distance, they often cost you deeper connections with those who are physically close. The more time one spends on social media takes away from the time one can devote to in-person relationships, which are very important in forming meaningful bonds.
Additionally, it is essential to understand that cultivating relationships through a screen can be very challenging. When communicating through technology, emotional cues can easily be lost which can cause a relationship to suffer from misunderstandings.
To address the disconnection caused by social media, there are simple steps you can take to focus on in-person interactions. Making plans to meet with friends and family can significantly enhance your relationships. Whether it’s sharing a meal, studying together or simply catching up, these activities can foster deeper connections. Being mindful of how you communicate, reducing screen time and engaging in meaningful conversations can empower you to strengthen your bonds with others. By consciously choosing to put your phone away and focus on the people in front of you, you can cultivate more powerful relationships and be fully present in your interactions.
