While digital channels enable social interaction across time and space, they can paradoxically amplify loneliness by diminishing the value of physical proximity. Research reveals that despite following numerous users on social networks, an increasing number of people report feeling lonely in real life, with a significant proportion being young individuals.
Recent findings highlight a troubling “cycle of loneliness” triggered by social media use. Increased social media engagement has been linked to heightened symptoms of depression and loneliness. Ironically, these feelings often drive users to spend even more time on these platforms. This cycle not only undermines mental health but also affects quality of life, career prospects, and physical well-being.
In the digital age, the pressure to stay constantly online has led to relationships—especially among young people—becoming increasingly superficial. Instant messaging and social networks often fail to meet the deep emotional needs of users, leaving them feeling isolated despite being part of a virtual crowd. Far from alleviating loneliness, these online interactions can exacerbate stress when they fail to provide genuine connection.
Normative expectations and altered self-perceptions also play a role. For instance, many users, particularly young girls, feel compelled to present themselves differently online, often using digital filters to appear thinner or embody other physical traits they believe are desirable.
While some researchers view the digital world as a lifeline for those struggling to form real-world connections, others suggest a darker side. For example, the idea of forging friendships with artificial intelligence applications has been proposed as a solution for loneliness. Yet, such interactions risk deepening the divide between individuals and reality. A tragic example is the 14-year-old student who, after forming an emotional attachment to a fictional AI character, ultimately took his own life.