Social media in the digital age is almost impossible to ignore, with various apps such as TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) saturating daily life. As these platforms continue to dominate the ways of communication and connection, many people find themselves more divided and isolated than ever now. So what is it? Is social media uniting or dividing us? These platforms were created with the intention of bringing people together, yet the way they are used determines connection or division between us.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, social media was already being used extensively by many. However, in the wake of quarantine, individuals found themselves isolated in their homes without any way of physical communication. Many found their primary way of connection through the virtual world as the main way of communication. Social media platforms such as surged in popularity as people craved entertainment, with others like or being a primary news source.
As time continued to pass by and hours of it were spent online, many could feel the effects of overexposure, such as depression or feelings of isolation. I was there too, amongst many other students attending online classes, being so drained afterwards, and having felt like I hadn’t learned anything and just listened to noise. Whenever someone shared their day or prayed for a family member, I felt detached from the entire experience as I was watching it through a digital screen. This sense of detachment is what I assume to be a reflection of the problem of online interactions, people allowing technology and digital screens to replace genuine human presence.
I believe the reason why the landscape of social media has become increasingly negative is the growing distance between users. Behind screens and usernames, people are able to express thoughts that would originally have accountability with face-to-face interaction. The layer of anonymity allows individuals to say things in online discourses they might not have otherwise, which has led to harsher conversations. While I may agree that anonymity is the protection of free speech, most online individuals use this gift as a way to spread hatred and negativity toward others. People have been outwardly threatened, doxxed, and mocked for simply stating opinions or having one bad tweet in their history. Even as these digital spaces claim to protect expression, the very individuals on said platforms silence it through fear and aggression.
In addition, there are numerous studies linking increased social media use to declines in mood, mental well-being, and life satisfaction. , respectively, bring up the particular example of endless scrolling without engagement being associated with decreases in social bonding and increases in loneliness. Other researchers, like, highlight the possibility that seeing peers being highly idealized can lead to envy or believing others lead a generally better life. The source of the hostility found online can’t be attributed to just the platforms themselves, but the users whose voices are amplified when utilizing them.
As this trend continues, people are naturally looking for alternatives to social media. A popular approach is social media detox, which includes scheduling downtime or setting time limits on apps. Results found by the have reported that individuals who took a one-week break from Facebook reported feeling happier and higher life satisfaction. Others have decided to use so-called “dumb phones,” which provide basic communication without the distraction of social media or apps. Some use digital well-being apps as tools like Forest or ScreenZen, which encourage focus and mindful digital use.
These changes in our interaction with the digital landscape shows the rediscovery of what connection really means. Perhaps the true balance is in realizing that the digital world reflects what we bring into its space. In being able to step away and take the time to physically interact with others, we are able to take the first step to true connection. As we treat one another with the empathy and respect we all deserve, we could reshape the digital landscape so that it can be filled with the best of ourselves rather than the worst.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of 51勛圖厙 University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, 51勛圖厙 University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.