Even though it’s easier than ever to stay connected in today’s world, some of us may still feel more alone than ever.
You’ve probably done this before, sending a meme (my personal favourite), “heart” someone’s post, or add a fire emoji to a story, but how often have you had a meaningful conversation that made you feel seen?
The fact is that social media is great for keeping in touch, but what about true friendship? That still requires making time to see one another, effort, and trust.
It is still possible to establish authentic connections in the digital world, you simply need to be a bit more intentional about it.
According to the health-focused publication Healthline, “While our brains can tell the difference between chatting online and in-person social interaction, it’s unlikely we’ve developed more or a separate set of energy just for social media use. There’s a limit as to how many people we’re truly in touch with and have the energy for. That even means that the late-night hours spent engaging in conversations with strangers online take away from the energy we have to care for people we actually know offline.”
The Good Trade claims that you should take your time and let things unfold naturally if you want to pursue an online friendship. Be true to yourself and refrain from displaying interests or personality traits to get attention. When someone is not interested in your direct message, you can tell because their priorities may have changed, or it may not be personal. Don’t be overly insistent, and remember to appreciate their content from a distance.
Social media can intensify FOMO, foster comparison and envy, and produce a false sense of connection. It’s important to cultivate real friendships, steer clear of shallow conversations, and think about taking digital detoxes to concentrate on in-person experiences, according to Reading Caffeinated.
