Growing up in a hyper-connected world can evoke intense feelings of isolation and loneliness in many young people. While social media offers an endless stream of connection, it also fuels a steady drumbeat of negative news, a fear of missing out, and an unspoken pressure to meet a social media-worthy standard.
We often see others shining online and assume they are far happier than we are. Their lives appear fuller, their friendships stronger, their careers more successful. It’s easy and expected to post fun, lighthearted experiences, but it often feels overwhelming to share life’s darker moments. As a frequent user of social media myself, I sometimes turn to it as a temporary escape from sadness. In those moments, even the simplest "likes" and positive comments remind me that I am seen. But relying on this kind of validation can be unhealthy. If done too frequently, oversharing whether through endless selfies or deeply personal thoughts can lead to a self-centered mindset and create distance from real-life connections.
Human beings need face-to-face interactions to maintain good mental health. Nothing reduces stress or boosts mood faster than genuine, eye-to-eye contact with someone who truly cares. When social media replaces in-person relationships, it increases the risk of mood disorders like anxiety and depression. While social media has its benefits ;it can raise awareness, foster communities, and provide support , it should never substitute real-world interactions. True connection isn’t measured in likes or comments, but in the depth of our relationships beyond the screen.