Dr. Vikas Sharma
In the modern age, social media significantly influences how individuals live and interact. Platforms such as Instagram have evolved beyond mere means of connecting with friends; they have transformed into arenas where users share snippets of their lives, crave validation, and seek an escape from reality. The bombardment of notifications, likes, and comments can easily ensnare us in an endless digital vortex. However, beneath the glossy images and relentless scrolling lies a hidden toll that many fail to recognize—a growing detachment from genuine life experiences, authentic relationships, and real moments.
Today’s youth may have thousands of followers online, yet when they find themselves in need of a listening ear in real life, they often discover they have no one to reach out to. They are enveloped in a façade of perfection—ideal images, flawless lives, and curated feeds. Yet, behind the bright posts, a different narrative is emerging. The harsh reality is that many feel isolated and yearn for something genuine, yet they are only met with a fabricated world of likes and followers. It often starts with a casual “Hey” slipping into someone’s inbox. This simple greeting can spark hours of scrolling, watching reels, and awaiting further replies. Each response brings a glimmer of hope, leading to emotional investments in these digital conversations. Over time, it gives the illusion that something real is developing. But unfortunately, that’s not the case.
The truth crashes down when the messages begin to dwindle or cease entirely. What began as an enjoyable exchange devolves into “breadcrumbing”—where just enough attention is given to keep someone interested but not enough to instill feelings of love or desire. This dynamic keeps individuals perpetually waiting, trapped in a loop of yearning and speculation about the next communication. Ultimately, they might experience ghosting: a sudden, inexplicable disappearance that leaves them perplexed and in pain. They inevitably find themselves revisiting old messages, questioning what went awry. Did they say something incorrect? Were they simply not good enough? These feelings of emptiness escalate. Instead of feeling uplifted, they find themselves feeling worse. They become fatigued, invisible.
Social media—particularly Instagram—misleads individuals into believing that the idealized lifestyles portrayed online are the norm. The reels, motivational quotes, and romantic moments appear flawless, making it easy to succumb to the illusion that this is how life should be. However, the truth is starkly different. Many become ensnared in the pursuit of the ‘perfect’ partner or ideal life, constantly seeking something superior but perpetually coming up short. The more they chase these online fantasies, the emptier they feel. They lose sight of what real love, friendship, and success truly entail. The obsession with followers, likes, and comments takes over; they want to impress others online only to feel profoundly alone when the camera is turned off. When they yearn for authentic connections, they find only blank screens and silence.
Yet, another layer complicates this tale. When someone dares to shine a light on such behavior, the seemingly charming and innocent façade often morphs. The individual suddenly becomes manipulative, instilling guilt and uncertainty in others. They toy with emotions and warp the narrative to position themselves as the victim. Such behavior is not just confusing—it’s toxic. Life once revolved around genuine connections. People had aspirations, goals, and authentic relationships. Now, the focus centers on followers, likes, and flawless images on a screen. The price of this new reality is steep: time, self-worth, and emotional health. Individuals invest more time in scrolling than in truly living. They allocate their energy to insincere friendships and relationships that provide nothing in return.
What of the individual left anticipating a response? They sit amidst a flurry of old messages, pondering why they weren’t sufficient. They wait for a reply that never materializes, seeking answers in a digital landscape that may never provide clarity. The unfortunate truth is that Instagram and social media have dominated lives, dictating how people feel, think, and act. They facilitate a facade where individuals can pretend that everything is alright, even when deep down, it isn’t. The reality of this world filled with reels and filters is a mere illusion—a mask. And as long as individuals continue to wear it, they increasingly drift away from what truly matters in life.
Getting trapped in this cycle is deceptively easy. The constant urge to check one’s phone, the craving for more likes, and the need for ceaseless validation create an endless spiral. Individuals begin to exist for the next post, story, or comment, forsaking real-life moments. The authenticity of the world—with its imperfections and unfiltered experiences—becomes a distant echo. People scroll through images of friends relishing life, seemingly enjoying their best, most perfect days. They begin to measure their lives against others. “Why isn’t my life like that?” “What’s wrong with me?” It becomes increasingly difficult to differentiate between reality and artifice. Individuals feel increasingly dissatisfied with their existence, perpetually chasing a mirage of fulfillment that remains just out of reach.
This dilemma extends beyond simple metrics of followers or likes on a post. It encapsulates a deeper need for connection and affirmation intrinsic to being human. However, this validation cannot be acquired through a screen; it can only be found in genuine, human interactions with those who comprehend, care, and express true emotions.
In our rapidly evolving world, many family members reside in different homes, leading to feelings of isolation and sometimes emotional agitation. The era when families congregated around the dinner table, engaging in vibrant conversation, and finding support just a room away seems long gone. Nowadays, individuals often experience loneliness, even within the same city. Family ties appear strained, impacting not only relationships among relatives but also their emotional stability.
This fragmentation results in heightened irritability, frustration, and an overwhelming sense of emotional depletion. People increasingly feel isolated not just from friends they once cherished but from the very family members who were intended to be their support systems. This evolution in family dynamics has contributed to a growing sense of loneliness and emotional fatigue, a sentiment deepened by the hollow validation sought on social media.
So, here’s the pressing question: Is it time to halt the pursuit of an Instagram-driven life? Is it time to bid farewell to the endless scrolling and fabricated perfection? Perhaps it’s time to mute notifications, log off Instagram, and revive connections with the world around us. Because the real world is where genuine happiness, love, and relationships flourish—not within a curated feed.
Yet, detaching oneself from this digital realm is no simple task. It necessitates self-awareness and the bravery to distance oneself from the constant allure of social media. It’s challenging to step away when everything appears so appealing and effortless. However, the reality is that it is all a mirage. While it’s easy to become ensnared in the allure of Instagram, the most memorable moments of life unfold outside of digital confines. The most beautiful experiences are those that elude capture in a photograph or a post.
So, the next time you find yourself lost in scrolling, pause and reflect: What am I genuinely seeking here? Is this enriching my life? Or is it merely another distraction from the reality I am attempting to avoid? Perhaps it’s time to stop striving for likes and start living for life itself.
