Why do I feel more lonely after spending time on social media?

Question

I scroll through Instagram when I am feeling lonely but I almost always feel worse afterward, not better. Seeing everyone's happy lives and connections makes my own loneliness feel even sharper. Why does social media make loneliness worse?

audrey_diaz · Accepted Answer

Social media provides the stimulus of social connection without the actual nourishment of it. It's like looking at pictures of food when you are hungry. It reminds you of what you don't have without giving you any of it.

miles_bell · Answer

You are comparing your internal experience to other people's curated highlight reel. They are not showing you their lonely evenings. Consciously reminding yourself of this does not fully eliminate the effect but it helps.

Why do I feel more lonely after spending time on social media?

2 answers
Most votes Newest Oldest

Write an Answer

Why do I feel more lonely after spending time on social media?

2 answers Most votes Newest Oldest

Write an Answer

2 answers
Most votes Newest Oldest