The Social Media Connection Gap: Feeling Parasocial
I think there might be a gap in connection caused by social media. At a time when humans, in theory, are more connected than we've ever been, people are struggling. Kids are becoming lonelier (1), cultural activities are being lost, many Americans often eat meals alone (2). A study from 2017 (3) sampled 1700 social media users ages 19-35, and according to their research, "Social Media use was significantly associated with increased depression." Beyond that, everyone fucking knows social media causes depression! All people talk about is "I'm trying to quit instagram." "I deleted Facebook from my phone!" "I can't stop doomscrolling." And yet, we all still do it. We lock ourselves in a room and 'connect' for hours at a time. But it's not real connection. A connection is a relationship, a cared-for, nurtured link that, ideally, is positive. To create and maintain new relationships is one of the most beautiful things a human c...