OpEd: Has social media broken the concept of genuine human connection?

In the early 2000s, social media emerged as a revolutionary force, promising to connect individuals across the globe. Platforms like MSN, MySpace and Facebook transformed the way people interacted, opening a world where friendships, conversations, and communities could surpass borders and time zones. As more platforms emerged, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok; the allure of a digitally connected world became even more irresistible. But amidst the abundance of followers, likes, and shares, an unsettling question began to surface. Has social media, in its quest to connect us all, inadvertently broken the concept of genuine human connection?

For many, the answer isn’t clear-cut. Social media undeniably brings us closer in some ways, yet it also seems to create barriers to truly meaningful, deep relationships. The rapid growth of digital communication has shifted how we interact, often prioritizing instant gratification over profound, sustained connections. So, what does it mean to truly connect with others in the age of social media, and are we losing something vital in the process?