Social Media Isolation

In modern-day society, social media constantly connects people to each other. Some would argue that people are more connected with others than ever before, but in reality, they may actually experience as much isolation as women with mental health issues in the 1800s. In the film adaptation of the short story The Yellow Wallpaper, Jane is a new mother experiencing postpartum depression whose husband believes rest will cure her. Instead of reaching out to those around her, she isolates herself further, which leads her to an inevitable psychological breakdown during which she believes a woman, who symbolizes herself, is trapped in the wallpaper in her room and must be freed. Today, as researchers examine the effect social media has on mental

Social media sites, seemingly innocent sources of entertainment, can make users feel connected and lonely simultaneously, causing them to embrace their isolation. Social media users isolate themselves by only posting positive aspects of their lives, therefore denying themselves any real chance at a meaningful connection with others. In the article “Why Social Makes Us Even More Lonely,” Mordecai Hunter states, “Despite being constantly connected, people are still feeling alone.” Social media makes people feel more lonely because it gives them the illusion of connectivity. One cannot form and maintain real relationships without allowing others to see their true selves. Hunter acknowledges this, explaining, “there are many people who purposefully craft an image of themselves [...] the lack of openness can lead to bonds not being fully formed.” Without an understanding of someone’s flaws, one cannot understand who they are and connect with them. Online personas prevent connection, but people do not resist this. Instead, they tend to embrace the loneliness and continue in the never-ending cycle of isolation and pretty pictures. It seems unlikely that in our world of constant communication that anyone could ever feel isolated, but the pressure users feel online to seem perfect prevents them from ever being anything else. This mental isolation mimics the isolation that caused Jane to lose her sanity permanently, and people today risk doing the same with every deceptive post. Americans must decide as a society if risking their own psychological future is worth the illusion of connecting with others, or if they should finally remove the barriers of connection and allow others to see the person behind the