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Social isolation due to excessive use of social media, image, image, image…
Social isolation due to excessive use of social media
What? Defining the problem
Social isolation can be defined as a clear lack of contact between an individual or a group of individuals and society as whole.
In a time where we are more connected than ever before, we are also more disconnected than ever before. We may have the ability to instantly connect with anyone, anywhere with the touch of a button, but with this great power has come an epidemic of shut-ins and socially inept people who, due to excessive use of social media platforms, have been unable to connect meaningfully with their peers.
What many do not understand is that it is not necessary to be physically distant from others to feel socially isolated. Even people who interact with people on a day to day basis can still feel isolated.
Why? Why does this problem occur?
There are three major reasons for this problem. The first is improper time allocation. Excessive scrolling and addiction to social media takes away time that can be used to build strong and meaningful relationships with family and friends.
The second major reason is a phenomenon known as FOMO, or Fear Of Missing Out. By comparing their own normal lives to unrealistic social media standards, individuals begin to lack a sense of meaning or fulfilment in their day to day life, leading to adverse mental health effects like depression and loneliness.
Finally, cyberbullying plays a big role in causing social isolation and even depression. Cyberbullies tend to harass and even outright leak information on their victims that could cause feelings of resentment, hatred, and even intense loneliness.
How? How has this problem been tackled?
Screen time management apps are one of the major ways that this problem has been tackled so far. Users can set strict time limits for themselves, and once the allotted time is over, the app will be locked.
Another solution that has arisen is fitness devices such as Fitbits. While these do not reduce social media usage actively, they promote physical health and activity, simultaneously helping with good health as well as helping manage addictions to technology.
Finally, there are dozens of online therapy and coaching platforms that aim to help users with their addictions and with mental health problems such as social isolation, loneliness, and depression. They can also help tackle cyberbullies.
Who? Who does this problem affect?
The main age group affected by this problem is teens and young adults between the ages of 14 and 24. A large number of studies have stated that this is the group most active on social media, and therefore more likely to fall into social isolation due to it.
However, it is important to note that social isolation can affect people of any age. Just because someone who is affected does not fall into this age category does not mean their concerns and problems aren't valid. It is important to make the future product accessible to all age groups, though this age group will be the specific target.
