However, social media has become a vital part of our lives, with the typical individual spending more than 2 hours each day on social media. Yet, some research suggests that the use of digital technology is linked to a drop in our real-world social contacts and results in experiences of loneliness.
And, if you are not familiar with the term, social isolation stands for the lack of social interaction that can lead to feelings of loneliness. The feeling can happen either if we are alone or surrounded by people. Social isolation can even be a cause and a symptom of mental health problems.
Prior to delving into the topic, allow me to provide some context for those who may not be familiar with the subject matter. Mental health encompasses one's emotional, social, and psychological well-being. It is crucial to prioritize taking care of our mental health in the same manner as physical health. Similar to the way we schedule annual checkups for our blood sugar and cholesterol levels, we should ensure that our mental health is given the attention it deserves.
And, social isolation is one of the biggest public health problems in the world today. And it's getting worse every year too! More people spend time on social media instead of engaging in face-to-face interactions with others. So why is this happening?
On the surface, it may seem like social media is a great way to connect with others and build relationships.
But research suggests that this isn't always the case! For example, one study discovered that Facebook or Instagram users who post about their relationships are more likely to feel lonely than those who do not. People on social media frequently depict themselves as happy and more popular than they are. This can cause us to make negative comparisons to what we see there. Negative ideas like these may contribute considerably to feelings of isolation and detachment from others over time.
Let’s face it. It's easier to interact with people online than in person. When you're typing out text messages or tweets, you can control what you say and how you say it, but in real life, these things happen naturally. You might feel nervous about what your words will convey or about saying something inappropriate. Therefore, people prefer to stay in their online bubble, rather than try to build meaningful relationships outside of it.
Social media also makes us feel less connected because we feel like we know everything about our friends' lives without actually spending time with them face-to-face. This information overload can make us feel less special and unique as individuals. If you feel that you already know that person from what they post online, why bother to meet them in real life? After all, taking the time to meet your friends in person can be overwhelming as more and more responsibilities arose and we don’t even have that much time to commute or get ready. So, social media is the easy way out. Sending memes, reels, and TikToks for our friends is the new way of keeping in touch and it’s not a bright future.
There’s no question about it! And let's be clear: social media is not going away. It's here to stay, and it can be a helpful tool if used consciously. We need to pay attention to how much time we spend on these platforms. And don’t forget, nothing is like spending time with other people and building real-life relationships.
The best way to do it? Take some time off from social media every once in a while. Check on your friends and ask them out! Try setting limits for yourself (such as only checking Facebook once per day).
Engage in activities that get you out of your comfort zone and into the world around you! Spend time in nature, engage with the people around you, and try new hobbies or volunteer work. Anything that involves interacting with other humans will help build social connections. And if you find yourself still feeling lonely or isolated despite your best efforts? Reach out! There are many in this situation and talking with people that are going through the same experiences as you do can help you better understand what you are feeling and what you can do.
We're not saying that you should quit social media altogether! But you need to find a balance. Don’t let these platforms get the best out of you! If you are feeling isolated, put on your trousers and go for a walk! Let the brain get some oxygen! We promise you, it’s worth it!
