Let’s take a moment to reflect. Have you ever found yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media, only to feel more disconnected than connected?
In today’s hyperconnected world, it seems like we’re always plugged into something.
We’re bombarded by information, notifications, and ads, and yet, many of us feel less satisfied, less content, and somehow more anxious. But why?
Why Are We Unhappy Despite Having So Much?
Think about it—most of us have more material comforts than past generations, yet we often feel unhappy or dissatisfied. One key reason is overstimulation. Social media makes it so easy to compare ourselves to others.
Every day we see someone’s dream vacation, new promotion, or perfectly curated lifestyle.
Even though we logically know these are just highlight reels, we can’t help but feel envious or inadequate.
But it wasn’t always like this. Previous generations had fewer material goods, but many seemed happier.
Why? It boils down to this: they weren’t constantly comparing themselves to hundreds of people at once.
Their world was smaller and their comparisons were local—to their neighbors, friends, and family.
In contrast, today’s digital world gives us a never-ending stream of comparisons, making us feel like we’re always behind.
How Does Social Media Trigger Unhappiness?
Here’s something interesting: research shows that the more time you spend on social media, the more likely you are to feel emotions like envy.
Think about it: if you spend hours seeing everyone’s best moments, it’s natural to wonder why your own life doesn’t look the same.
Psychologists call this the highlight reel effect. People only post the good stuff, but we start to think their lives are perfect while ours are flawed.
Social media also floods our brains with dopamine, the same chemical that makes us feel good when we eat chocolate or win a game.
But here’s the catch: social media keeps us craving more. Every like, comment, or notification gives us a hit of dopamine, but when we don’t get that validation, it leaves us feeling anxious or unsatisfied.
Were Past Generations Happier?
Let’s go back in time for a minute. Life was undoubtedly tougher in many ways—people worked harder physically, had fewer conveniences, and their lives weren’t documented for the world to see. Yet many were content. Why?
For one, they were more present. Without smartphones or social media, people spent more time engaged with those around them.
They weren’t distracted by notifications or overloaded with information. This allowed them to build deeper connections with themselves and others.
Sherry Turkle, a professor at MIT, argues that digital communication lacks the emotional richness of in-person interaction.
The older generations had a gift of being able to form strong, face-to-face social bonds that we often lack today.
Does Social Media Make Us More Social?
Now, let’s tackle a big question: Do we need social media to be social? The simple answer is ‘no’.
Yes, social media allows us to stay in touch with people, but it often leads to shallow, surface-level interactions.
Most people use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook to showcase parts of their life or promote businesses rather than build deep connections.
In fact, studies show that while we may have hundreds or even thousands of “friends” or “followers,” these relationships often lack the depth of real-world friendships.
Many of us feel lonelier even though we’re constantly “connected.”
In reality, these platforms are becoming more like marketplaces for attention and less about meaningful connection.
Jean Twenge, a psychologist, notes that younger generations report feeling lonelier despite being the most connected digitally. This constant comparison and lack of genuine interaction lead to emotional emptiness.
Conclusion: Reclaiming Authentic Connection
So, do we need social media to feel connected? Not really.
What we truly need is deeper, more authentic human connections—ones that go beyond the digital world.
By stepping away from the overstimulation and comparison traps of social media, we can start reconnecting with ourselves and those around us in a meaningful way.
Remember, real connection isn’t about the number of likes, comments, or followers—it’s about the quality of our interactions.
So maybe the next time we feel the urge to scroll, we can choose instead to call a friend, enjoy the present moment, or simply take a break from the noise.