There is a concerning reality emerging in our society: as humans living in 2025, we may be some of the loneliest people to have ever walked the planet.
When I read these statistics from Campaign to End Loneliness, I struggled to understand how this could be. After all, I can call and speak to most of my family and friends within 15 seconds at any given moment. I have eight different social media platforms that connect me with thousands of people daily—some I know, most I don't.
So then, how is it possible that the most connected generation in history is also one of the loneliest? The answer lies in the illusion of connection that screen-based interactions provide.
In 2024, a staggering 42% of young Australians reported experiencing persistent loneliness, citing it as one of the biggest impediments to their mental health and well-being. What surprised me even more was perhaps the devastating effect that loneliness can have on a person's well-being. For instance, the World Health Organisation declared loneliness to be a ‘global pressing threat’, with its impact on an individual's health being likened to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Loneliness can be genuinely deadly, and it's on the rise.
But how is it that social media is contributing to this?
It was once explained to me this way: as humans, we all have varying social needs. Some people require frequent social interaction to feel connected, while others need less. Neither is right or wrong; it simply is how certain people are wired. However, excessive social media use tricks us into feeling like our social needs are being met. This is why terms like "social battery" or "social exhaustion" are more common than ever. Unfortunately, even though we feel as though we are socialising, we aren’t reaping the benefits that in-person interaction provides, ultimately contributing to deeper feelings of loneliness.
It's not just this false sense of socialisation that fuels loneliness—the nature of social media itself exacerbates it. These platforms are a breeding ground for the fear of missing out (FOMO). Watching other people’s lives unfold through a screen can make us feel left out, bored, or even unwanted. We often forget that what we see is only a curated snippet of someone’s life. This leads to unfair comparisons, where we measure our behind-the-scenes against someone else’s highlight reel, a competition that no one can win.
If all of this sounds grim, there’s still another way our devices are quietly harming our relationships and sense of connection: their mere presence during social interactions. Research shows that when a device is visible during a conversation, it reduces feelings of closeness, trust, empathy, and connection. It acts as a physical barrier between us and meaningful human interaction. Why? Because placing a device between ourselves and another person subconsciously signals that the device—and whatever it offers—is just as, if not more, important than the person in front of us. Of course this is rarely the intention, but in these situations, perception matters more than intent.
Now that we’ve covered the bad news, here’s the good: there are practical strategies we can use to counteract these effects and rebuild meaningful connections.
Prioritise In-Person Interaction Through Goal Setting
For example, commit to leaving your phone at home when taking a walk with a friend or partner. Setting small, intentional goals like this ensures that you create space for real, distraction-free connection in your daily life.
Be Mindful of Where You Place Your Device
Always consider both perception and intention. What message does the location of your device send to the person you're with? How might they feel if you check a notification while they’re speaking? No one enjoys feeling sidelined or being phubbed, so make a conscious effort to be fully present.
Commentating Device Usage
Sometimes using a phone is unavoidable. A simple way to address phubbing is by acknowledging your usage when around others. For example, saying, “I’m sorry, but I need to respond to this urgent text,” can help minimise the potential harm of device interruptions and show respect for the person you’re with.
Reframe Social Media for What It Really Is
This is perhaps the hardest, but most crucial step. Social media is a highlight reel of typically the best moments in a person's life, not a full picture of their reality. Everyone has bad days, mundane routines, and personal struggles. Keeping this perspective in mind can help reduce feelings of inadequacy and comparison.
If you’re feeling lonely or concerned about the growing trend of social isolation, a good starting point might be evaluating how your digital devices are impacting you.
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