With a click of a button, people are connected to the internet, opening the possibility to communicate with anyone around the world. Yet, this symbol of togetherness masks a growing problem: friendship negligence.
Rationale behind the positives of social media stems from the belief that it forms relationships among people from different walks of life. However, this interconnectedness, forces users to neglect their in-person relationships and the people around them.
This trend grows a gap between friends. “When I hang out with friends in person, they often go on their phones instead of being in the moment,” said junior Nishita Gudipati. “It’s really unfortunate because I am making the effort to be present yet they are choosing to go on their phones, which is something they can do on their own time.”
It has become a common sight to enter social gatherings and see groups of teenagers seemingly huddled in a circle. Upon taking a closer look, these kids can be found scrolling on Instagram, TikTok or Snapchat, interacting with an online community rather than the people surrounding them.
Much of this behavior stems from the instant gratification social media platforms provide. Users find happiness in gaining a new follower or scrolling through short-form video content. This occupies their attention and spirals them into social media addiction.
Consumption of social media, however, can form new relationships that would otherwise have been impossible without the interconnectedness of the platforms. “For seniors like me who are planning on attending college, social media has been a great way to connect and meet new people who are attending the same university I am,” shared senior Prithikha Paranidharan.
Human brains only have the capacity to handle 150 close friends, yet being online normalizes spending time and energy towards hundreds of online strangers. While finding new friends online is a wonderful way to formulate diverse and meaningful relationships, it is incredibly important to understand the pressure that excess social stress can cause on the brain.
Social media was promised to bring about digital connectedness, yet its impact on young minds has spiraled out of control. “It’s important that people are mindful when they are on their phones. Spending time with friends is precious and by becoming disconnected, it is easy to lose perspective on the moment,” concluded Gudipati.
