SCRIPT AGAINST -SOCIAL MEDIA:DOES IT CONNECT OR ISOLATES US
Dark Side of Social Media: Catalyst for Isolation
While social media can connect us in many ways, it also has a downside. It can sometimes make us feel more
isolated and disconnected from the real world. Let’s take a look at how this happens:
Comparison and Low Self-Esteem
One of the most significant downsides of social media is the tendency to compare our lives with others.
Platforms like Instagram and Facebook often show the best moments of people’s lives, like vacations,
celebrations, and achievements. However, what we don’t see are the struggles, failures, and everyday
challenges.
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This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, especially when we compare our own lives to the seemingly perfect
lives of others. In India, where social status and success are often measured by external factors, social media
can exacerbate feelings of pressure and self-doubt.
Fake Connections and Superficial Interactions
Although social media allows us to stay in touch with others, these connections can sometimes be shallow. We
may have hundreds or even thousands of followers, but how many of these people do we really know? In many
cases, online interactions can feel less genuine than face-to-face conversations.
In India, where family and community ties are important, online connections may not provide the same
emotional support that real-life relationships do. Even though we may be constantly online, these superficial
connections can leave us feeling more isolated.
Reduced Face-to-Face Interactions
Spending too much time on social media can reduce the amount of time we
spend interacting with people in person. This is especially true for young people, who
may choose to communicate through texting or chatting on social media rather than meeting face-to-face.
In India, where traditional socializing is an important part of life, the shift toward online communication can lead
to a decline in physical interactions, which may make people feel more disconnected and lonely. Face-to-face
interactions provide emotional warmth and deeper connections that social media often lacks.
Cyberbullying and Negative Feedback
Another major issue with social media is the rise of cyberbullying. People, especially young people, are often
targeted by online bullies who use the platform to spread negativity and hate. In India, cyberbullying has
become a significant problem, with many people facing harassment, trolling, and even threats online. This can
have a severe impact on a person’s mental health, leading to isolation and depression.
Addiction and Overuse
Many people in India spend hours on social media every day, scrolling through endless feeds and watching
videos. This can become addictive, leading to a loss of productivity and a decrease in real-life social
interactions. Spending too much time on social media can also affect sleep patterns, as people stay up late
engaging with online content.
The constant need to check notifications and updates can create a sense of anxiety, and it often leads to
feelings of loneliness when there is no real-world interaction to balance out the virtual connections.
ISOLATION INDUCED BY COVID-19
Isolation induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Internet use significantly increased during the pandemic due to
the lockdown and people having to work and interact from home, with significant detrimental effects on
people’s mental health.14,
15
During periods of social isolation, social media identity bubbles may provide substantial social resources.
However, these resources cannot shield people who are lonely from increased psychological discomfort, 16
and virtual friendships have been shown to predict greater loneliness among adolescents with learning
disabilities.17
Even if virtual friendships ease the emotional loneliness that comes from a lack of intimate, physical
relationships for some, there is reason to believe that many of the relationships made online are little more
than virtual friendships. How we use the internet may contribute to feelings of isolation, and perceived social
isolation is positively related to problematic social media use. 18
Although in-person interactions are still the most effective strategy to combat feelings of isolation, people may
sometimes find the support they need in virtual communities.
During the pandemic, loneliness increased among the elderly,22
and, in particular, among elderly adults with physical impairments or lack of ability to use or access technology
to socialize online.23
Feelings of loneliness increase with age,24
and, among older adults, loneliness and social isolation are associated
with anxiety, depression, mortality risk, and cognitive decline. 25
Although internet use was shown to mitigate loneliness among the elderly
in an “age-friendly” city in Taiwan during the pandemic, 26
a study of internet addiction among the elderly in China during the
pandemic conversely found that internet addiction can be mitigated by
increasing real-life social support that lessens the feeling of loneliness
among the elderly.27
🔹 1. Fake Connections, Real Loneliness
We have many online friends but few real ones.
Liking, commenting, or following people online can’t replace deep,
emotional conversations.
People spend hours online but still feel emotionally alone.
🔹 2. Less Face-to-Face Interaction
Time spent on screens means less time spent with family or friends
in person.
Even in social gatherings, people are often glued to their phones,
reducing real interaction.
🔹 3. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) & Anxiety
Seeing others’ “perfect lives” online makes us feel left out, jealous,
or inadequate.
This creates emotional distance and reduces self-confidence,
pushing us away from real social moments.
🔹 4. Echo Chambers & Polarization
Social media shows us only what we agree with.
This leads to narrow thinking, less tolerance, and division between
people, making it harder to form bonds outside our bubble.
🔹 5. Cyberbullying & Trolling
Online hate or bullying can cause people to withdraw from others,
isolate themselves, and suffer mentally.
🔹 6. Addiction & Escapism
People use social media to escape problems or boredom, which
reduces motivation to build real-life relationships.
Over time, they may forget how to interact socially in the real world.
🔹 7. Comparison Culture
Constant comparison with others online can lead to low self-esteem
and social withdrawal.
People may start believing they are not “good enough” to be around
others.
🔸 8. Superficial Interactions Over Deep Bonds
Social media encourages quick replies, emojis, and memes — not
meaningful conversations.
Over time, we forget how to truly listen, empathize, or connect
deeply with someone.
🔸 9. Algorithmic Control
Platforms decide what we see, who we talk to, and even how we
think.
This limits our social exposure, making us feel connected only within
a narrow circle, not the real world.
🔸 10. Reduced Empathy
Online communication lacks tone, facial expression, and body
language.
This makes people less sensitive to others’ emotions, weakening
human empathy — a key part of real connection.
🔸 11. Isolation in Crowds
Ironically, people often post to gain likes and attention, but when
they don't get the expected response, they feel ignored.
You can have 1,000 followers and still feel like no one truly cares.
🔸 12. Sleep Deprivation and Social Disconnection
Late-night scrolling ruins sleep, and poor sleep affects mood,
energy, and social willingness.
Tired minds tend to withdraw and avoid social events.
🔸 13. Fear of Real-World Judgment
People who present a perfect online image may fear showing their
real self offline.
This fear creates anxiety and prevents them from forming honest
relationships.
🔸 14. Neglect of Local Community
Social media shifts attention to global trends, ignoring local
relationships and problems.
As a result, neighbors become strangers, and real-world
communities weaken.
🔸 15. Mental Health & Self-Isolation
Studies link high social media use to depression, anxiety, and social
withdrawal.
As mental health suffers, people pull away from society, increasing
their isolation.
