What is one heartbreaking thing about us?
I asked AI what broke its heart about people and its answer surprised me. You see, it's something you wouldn't expect. With a world of social media, and the internet connecting us all you'd think we would feel more connected, but the exact opposite has happened.
With every moment being captured and shared, Kübra Aykut’s life seemed perfect. Her social media profiles were filled with smiling selfies, crazy vacations, and joy filled get-togethers with friends. Each post had thousands of likes and comments, creating a picture of a young woman living life to the fullest. But behind the images and cheerful captions, Kübra was battling a profound sense of loneliness.
Despite a constant stream of validation from social media, Kübra felt increasingly isolated. The pressure to maintain her “happy” online persona became overwhelming. It was masking the reality of her struggles. Even close friends and family were deceived by her digital facade. They had no idea of the darkness that was behind that bright shining face. Unfortunately, the pain in her heart became too much to bear. On September 23, 2024, Kübra tragically ended her life by falling from her fifth-floor apartment in Istanbul.
Kübra’s story is a sad reminder of the silent pain of loneliness that has spread throughout our hyper-connected world. Social media promises to bring people closer, but it often deepens the void between our personas and private lives. The curated perfection we see on our screens can make our own lives feel inadequate, intensifying feelings of isolation and despair.
Kübra is not alone
Kübra is not alone in her sad experience. Studies have shown that social media significantly impacts mental health. For example, more than half of social media users report feeling inadequate due to the content they see online. Additionally, a survey by the Pew Research Center found that it also increases feelings of pressure and sadness on teens. The constant comparison to others’ seemingly perfect lives can lead to increased stress and a sense of isolation.
There are over 4.8 billion social media users worldwide. That's 4,800,000,000 people. Over 60% of the global population. With half of social media users reporting feelings of inadequate that's 25% of the world's population.
What I do to keep from feeling lonely
Oddly enough, I think the best way to stop feeling lonely is joining a real-life group that isn't about you. Join a group that's about helping others. A church, volunteer organization, club, etc. I like to watch the kids during church service. They are a bundle of joy.
Next, stop following people that make you feel negative. Any negatives really. If you feel angry, sad, envious. If they make you feel inadequate, stop following them. Stop engaging. Downvoting, can help the algorithm understand what you're looking for but the thick of it, is simply stop. And don't think it's just social media. I swipe past things quickly that I don't like. If someone pops up on my feed multiple times that I know is negative I down vote. I try not to downvote but sometimes it's the best way to get the junk out.
News organizations can put a lot of negative feelings inside you too. So, look for organizations that are giving you positive vibes. Especially the mainstream news organizations like Fox News can really bring you down. Here's the thing.
These organizations know that negativity brings you back for more. Fear, pain, sadness, these are strong emotions that you'll cling to. They know it. So, change the content you get and change your life.
Hope that helps.