Is it such a surprise that we feel lonelier than ever before? That we have more depression, social anxiety and suicide rates than the other generation before us. It’s ironic when you think about it. We are the most connected we have ever been and yet the most disconnected we’ve ever felt, meditate on that for a moment. It shouldn’t be like that, but it is. 

How have we gotten to this point? When did it start? Where is it heading? When is it going to end? I don’t know. But we can improve ourselves to make our world a little bit better.

I’m only just beginning to fully realise the dangerous effects of social media and the damage it’s doing to our brains and mental health. Social Media addiction can change a person like someone addicted to heroin or meth. You won’t be able to recognise that person anymore. The person they were before, has gone and now you have to make a decision to cut ties with them or not.  

We have become so obsessed with ourselves. Myself included at some points. We’re playing the status game on Instagram, unhealthy arguments on Twitter and trying to become famous with Tik Tok. We all want to be seen. 

Deep down we all are a bit of a narcissist. That’s part of human nature; we all possess it to some degree. But it’s been stretched far beyond the healthy limit it needs to be kept at. 

No wonder most of us feel so lonely most of the time. We are constantly thinking about ourselves and less about others. We’re trying to get the best angle for our photos, then left with over a hundred photos and more anxious to find the 'perfect one’. Or getting the best lighting in the gym locker rooms and flexing with your shirt off to show how big you are. The high is there, and it feels good. But, what goes up must come down. The crash. And then you feel nothing. Empty and still the same. Nothing changed at all.

Now when the phone rings your heart starts beating faster. You want to click decline and prefer to text. Scared of talking, and interacting with people now. Even on the phone, behind a screen. 

We need to bring back and develop our sense of selflessness again. Call a close friend randomly and see how they are, you might even end up being the highlight of their day. Ask a neighbour if they need a hand with anything; help that elderly person in the grocery store. Whatever you need to do to bring that sense of selflessness back. This doesn’t seem like much, but it’s a start, and you build and build and build. 

You may feel lonely right now, but, if you put yourself out there, just a little, even 1% more than you usually do. You may find that there are a lot more people you connect with than you realise. And the best part is, you’ll surprise yourself. 

Put yourself out there and tame that narcissism.

Until next time,

Brody