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Social Media, Mental Health, and the Illusion of Connection
How social media drives our mental health experiences and perceptions of personal and professional relationships
Social media was designed to bring people together, yet it has created a generation more disconnected than ever before.
The more time people spend scrolling, the more likely they are to feel isolated. I have witnessed this in my own life and in the lives of those around me. I have seen friends lose themselves in carefully curated online identities, chasing validation through likes and comments while their real-world interactions grow strained.
The very platforms that promise connection often breed anxiety, self-doubt, and a sense of inadequacy.
If I were conducting a sociological study on this issue, I would use quantitative methods to analyze the patterns underlying social media use and mental health outcomes. A survey measuring screen time, self-esteem, and emotional well-being could reveal clear correlations.
Research already suggests a troubling link.
The National Institute of Mental Health found that rates of anxiety and depression have increased significantly among young adults, aligning with the rise of social media use. A 2023 study published in JAMA Pediatrics found…
