Missed connection

How social media can sometimes create an illusion of closeness

It’s been the toughest day you’ve had in a while. Your beloved pet reached the end of a long, happy life, and you’ve just returned home from the vet’s, having said goodbye. The house feels empty. You pull out your phone and reach out to a friend group, sharing about the loss and saying how much you’ll miss your companion. Within moments, you’re inundated with sympathetic comments, as they shower you with virtual hugs.

Everyone’s saying the right things, but something’s missing. You feel oddly detached from their well wishes. It’s not the same as having a good cry on a friend’s shoulder. That’s because, while online interactions have their place, they’re no substitute for genuine connection. In fact, social media could be leaving us more disconnected than ever.

Social creatures

The irony is that the human need for connection is the very reason people turn to social media in the first place. These platforms are designed to create an illusion of togetherness, which is what draws you in. Influencers understand this and use it to their advantage: they create an exaggerated sense of community and intimacy, because that’s what keeps followers coming back for more. Indeed, everything about social media is designed to keep you coming back.