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Are We Living Through Screens? A Heartfelt Reflection on Social Media and the Lost Art of Living

Writer's picture: SonnySonny

In a world that’s more connected than ever, it seems paradoxical that so many people feel disconnected from their own lives. Recently, I had a moment that stopped me in my tracks and made me reflect deeply on the state of our society and how social media has fundamentally altered the way we experience life.


The moment came while scrolling through the Nextdoor app, of all places—a platform that’s supposed to be about neighbors connecting and helping each other. But instead of posts about community events, lost pets, or local advice, I stumbled upon a complaint from a woman saying the app had become “boring.” Her reasoning? No one was being silly anymore.


She lamented that people were “too serious” and only posting business ads. Her post was followed by a string of agreements and even angry complaints from others who echoed her sentiment: “This app isn’t fun anymore,” one person wrote. Another chimed in, “There aren’t enough funny videos or entertaining comments—I’m deleting the app!”


Are We Really Complaining About Being Bored?

That interaction on Nextdoor struck me as absurd. Here were people lamenting the lack of entertainment on a platform meant for community interaction, not comedy or viral content. It wasn’t just the complaints that caught my attention, though—it was what they represented: the growing expectation that every interaction, every platform, and every moment should entertain us.


The comments got me thinking about other social media apps, like TikTok, where the most viral content often involves people doing silly dances, bothering strangers, or engaging in outright stupidity. Don’t get me wrong—there’s a time and place for lighthearted fun. But when entertainment becomes the central focus of our lives, I can’t help but wonder: What are we losing?


A New Kind of Addiction

Think about it for a moment. Social media has created a culture where people are constantly seeking a “high”—not from drugs or alcohol, but from the quick dopamine hit that comes from watching someone else’s life unfold on a screen. It’s a passive experience, a sort of modern-day voyeurism. And when that high isn’t strong enough? People complain, just like the woman on Nextdoor did, or they move on to the next platform, the next video, the next temporary fix.


In some ways, this behavior mirrors addiction. A drug addict complains about the potency of their weed not being strong enough, so they seek out something more intense. Similarly, many people today are perpetually seeking out more engaging, more entertaining, and more shocking content to fill a void they may not even realize exists.


But here’s the thing: no amount of entertainment from someone else’s life can fill the emptiness of not fully living your own.


The Subtle Manipulation of Social Media

Another thing that’s been bothering me lately is the subtle manipulation that social media platforms and advertisers use to hook us in. Have you noticed the growing number of posts and videos that essentially walk you through a scenario, almost as if they’re feeding you directions?

For example:

  • A TikTok video shows someone shopping at a store, adding items to their basket in slow motion, while the caption reads, “You NEED this in your life!”

  • An Instagram Reel gives you step-by-step instructions for an “easy recipe,” not because it’s life-changing, but because it’s designed to make you imagine yourself buying the exact products they’re promoting.

This is psychological manipulation, plain and simple. It’s designed to plant an idea in your head, making you feel like you should be doing or buying something you never even thought about before. It’s scary when you realize how often we’re being tricked into living through someone else’s narrative instead of creating our own.


Life Wasn’t Meant to Be Lived This Way

I know some people might read this and think, “What’s the big deal? It’s just social media.” But I disagree. This constant cycle of consumption, entertainment, and comparison is changing us—our priorities, our relationships, even our sense of self.


Life wasn’t designed to be lived through what others are sharing on a screen. It’s not meant to be about chasing likes, views, or viral moments. Yet, for many people, that’s exactly what life has become: a search for entertainment, validation, and meaning in someone else’s reality.



The Pressure to Perform

What’s even more concerning is the pressure this culture places on people to constantly perform. Think about the viral trends on TikTok and Instagram—dances, pranks, challenges.


At first glance, they seem harmless. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll see how they encourage people to prioritize performative acts over genuine experiences.

Instead of enjoying a sunset, someone sets up their phone to record a “relatable” Reel.


Instead of living in the moment, people stage moments they think will be entertaining for others. The line between real life and online performance is blurring, and it’s leaving many of us feeling disconnected and empty.


A Call to Disconnect

So, what’s the solution? I’m not saying we should all delete our social media accounts tomorrow or boycott technology. Social media has its benefits—it helps us stay connected, informed, and inspired. But we need to find balance.

Here’s what I propose:

  1. Unplug and create your own reality: Take time away from your phone and actively create experiences that bring you joy. Go for a hike, learn a new skill, spend time with loved ones.

  2. Stop seeking validation from strangers: Remember that your worth isn’t tied to likes, comments, or followers.

  3. Be intentional about what you consume: Ask yourself if the content you’re watching adds value to your life or just serves as a temporary distraction.

  4. Protect your mental space: Don’t let social media dictate your mood or priorities. Set boundaries for how and when you use it.


Final Thoughts

I don’t know if this post will resonate with you. Maybe it’ll make you mad. Maybe it’ll make you think. Or maybe you’ll just scroll past it like so many other posts you’ve seen today.

But if there’s one thing I hope you take away, it’s this: Don’t let your life be defined by what you consume on social media. The world is full of real, tangible experiences waiting to be lived. Go out and find them.


The next time you catch yourself mindlessly scrolling, ask yourself: What could I be doing right now to create my own reality, my own joy, my own entertainment? Then go do that. Because life is too short to live it through someone else’s screen.




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