Is social media making us less social?
How many friends do you have on social media? Recent years have seen the rapid
growth of internet users, not to mention all the new platforms and accounts that the
pandemic has brought. In addition, social networks have facilitated human
communication in ways that were previously impossible. However, the increasing
use of these apps can make humans less social as it robs people of real-life
experiences, has negative effects on mental health, and debauches social skills.
To start with, prolonged use of social media apps deprives people of making
valuable memories with those around them. In fact, online users are constantly
worried about taking the best photo, instead of actually enjoying the company of
others at parties or family gatherings. As a result, social interaction is dehumanized
and reduced to likes or comments on a post.
Furthermore, social media platforms may be related to isolation and mental health
issues such as stress, depression and anxiety. One possible explanation is the fact
that users are exposed to the illusion of others’ better lives which makes them feel
dissatisfaction towards their own lives, body image and relationships. According to
The Royal Society for Public Health (2017), Instagram has been addressed as the
most harmful app regarding social comparison, in which several stereotypes are
promoted and a higher number of likes for a post can be seen as a sign of
superiority.
It could be argued that social media networks have enabled instant communication,
allowing us to connect with people from all over the world. Nevertheless, chatting
online consistently can inhibit users’ ability to interact effectively in real life, for
instance, inviting someone on a date can be as simple as swiping right on Tinder but
it is not such an easy task in real life. Therefore, people become dependent on these
online ways of interacting and end up isolating themselves in the real world.
All things considered, social media networks are thought to have negative
implications regarding human interaction. These apps that are supposed to make us
more social can have the opposite effect, limiting human experiences, causing
isolation as well as mental health issues, and corrupting genuine social abilities. As
new technologies and platforms are emerging, it is our own responsibility to try to
strike a balance between digital and real-life human contact.