Brené Brown once said, “Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives” (Brown, 2010). Yet, despite all the ways technology lets us reach out instantly, many of us feel lonelier than ever before.
We can text a friend with a tap, FaceTime family across the world, and scroll through endless social feeds. It feels like we’re more connected than ever — but are we really?
Sometimes, when we get lost in social media, we convince ourselves it can replace real connection. But in doing so, we often miss the people sitting right in front of us. Ironically, that only creates an even bigger disconnect.
Too often, we mistake constant online activity for true, meaningful connection. We like posts, send quick messages, and keep scrolling… but are we genuinely connecting? Sometimes, it’s just information passing through, missing the emotions and presence that come from being with someone.
This kind of disconnected connection can really affect our mental health. Spending too much time online can leave us feeling distant, from others and from ourselves. For example, think about being at dinner with friends or family, but everyone’s glued to their phones instead of talking. Or when you find yourself comparing your life to those perfect Instagram posts and start feeling like you don’t quite measure up. It’s easy to lose sight of what really matters when screens take over.
What we truly need is something screens can’t give us: authentic, genuine, meaningful connection.
Take a moment to ask yourself: How am I really doing? What kind of connection do I truly need right now?
Maybe it’s time to set the phone down for a bit. Make space for a real conversation. Let someone in, or reach out to someone who might need it more than you know.
Real connection is essential to our well-being. Technology is helpful, but it’s not a substitute for being truly seen, heard, and understood.
So, if you’re reading this, maybe it’s a gentle reminder to reach out to someone you care about. Call them, hear their voice, or make plans to meet in person. And let’s take a moment to rethink what “connection” really means to you.
Reference:
Brown, B. (2010, June). The power of vulnerability [Video]. TED Conferences. https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability
