How Increasing “Connection” Leaves Us Feeling More Alone

We as a society have never been more “connected,” yet why do we feel so alone? Technology has become integrated into our everyday lives, and we regularly use our devices to communicate, whether on texts, social media, or FaceTime. Yet, the constant use of technology has caused a decline in our relationships, especially those with family members. As screens increasingly dominate our attention, real-life relationships—particularly those between parents and children—are paying the price. Strong parent-child bonds don’t form through screens; authentic connection demands time, eye contact, and undivided attention. Thus, while technology has some benefits, overuse of it heavily weakens the way we interact with each other. 

Certain technological advancements like social media can do more harm than good when it comes to family connections. According to the article “The Parentz,” relying too much on tech to communicate leads to fewer face-to-face conversations. And when these in-person interactions start to fade, so do the deeper bonds that are built on trust and true communication. 

It's no secret that the excessive use of technology often contributes to increasing mental health issues that jeopardize our relationships. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), people who tend to chat more online than in person lack social and nonverbal cues. Research from the National Library of Medicine, moreover, has confirmed that heavy social media use is linked to higher rates of medically classified rates of depression and anxiety disorders. Lastly, the Pierce County Health Department warns that problems stemming in an individual's adolescent years will follow them into adulthood, affecting them in aspects of life including careers, financial stability, and social relationships. Such facts allow us to easily imagine a snowball effect, with familial bonds, communities, and societal well-being all becoming impacted. 

Every hour we spend isolated from others mindlessly scrolling through social media feeds is not helping us invest in genuine, meaningful connections. As years pass, dangerously young kids are suffering from mental health issues. We're raising a generation that's hyper-connected online yet starving for real emotional nourishment in day to day life. The question remains: when will we start prioritizing human connection over digital consumption? Healing begins the moment we put down our phones, look up from the screens, and truly see each other again.