By Sarah Brashears, Co Editor-in-Chief
In a world where we are constantly connected, the feeling of loneliness creeps in now more than ever.
We are living in the age that connection is on our fingertips, with the ability to message a friend, keep up with liking our communities digital scrapbooks and scroll through the updates of the world in mere seconds.
When thinking about it, it seems like we would be the most fulfilled with the friendships that sit on our screens.
But truly, when did connection go from the tongue to the fingertips?
This is the paradox of constant connection.
Social media was designed to bring us closer, but somehow it replaced the feeling of genuine connection with endless surface level interactions.
Although we constantly are hearing the notification from the digital world, many admit they feel unseen, unheard and deeply alone.
A comment or double tap simply can’t replace the warmth of sitting across from someone who truly listens.
One of the biggest traps with this online connection is the false scene of intimacy. Highlight reels, Instagram pictures and TikTok’s make us feel connected, yet there is no reality of depth.
The illusion of a perfect life through vacations, celebrations and milestones cover the quiet struggles of reality behind them.
Validation through comments and likes provides a quick confidence rush, but that quickly fades into an emptiness that no amount of scrolling can fill.
We are missing the vulnerability and honesty that forms the foundation of an authentic friendship.
Screen time has increased. Face-to-face conversations have decreased.
Sure, families plan holidays and get together but then sit on the couch and scroll through their phone.
Friends know about the birthday party you went to, but never ask ‘How are you really?’
This has lead to the culture where comparison, FOMO and anxiety are the main feelings of our hearts. Let’s get real, genuine belonging feels harder to find every day.
Yet, we have hope.
Reclaiming a real connection does not require you to delete every app and ban social media.
It simply means being intentional.
Choose quality over quantity friendships. Is 1,000 followers better than 2 genuine and intentional friends?
Put down the phone to share a meal.
Make time for face-to-face conversations.
Allow yourself to be fully present with the people you love, and to meet new people.
Connection is about creating spaces where authenticity thrives more than the worry of appearance online.
Connect with yourself. Start a journal. Talk yourself into feeling confident. Discover your favorite hobbies that don’t require a screen.
Be intentional.
Let’s be honest, true connection can not be downloaded. It is built slowly, with intentional presence, trust and love.
Social media may connect us in moments, but real relationships carry us through life’s valleys and mountain tops.
In a world of connection at our fingertips, the bravest thing to do is pause, look up, and connect through the tongue.