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A Blog Post by Elle Marie, Contributor
It’s funny how the world got smaller and bigger at the same time. During the pandemic, we were all stuck at home but somehow connected to everyone through screens. We Zoomed, FaceTimed, texted, and scrolled like never before. But now, a few years later, studies show that even though we can finally go out again, many people are lonelier than ever. In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General released a report in 2023 calling loneliness a “public health crisis,” linking it to mental and physical health concerns (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2023).
Our phones have become our favorite companions. We talk to them, fall asleep next to them, and panic if we misplace them for five minutes. Technology keeps us entertained and informed, but it also quietly replaces real interaction. A 2022 study published by BMC Public Health found that while online platforms helped people stay connected during isolation, too much digital communication actually increased feelings of loneliness once restrictions were lifted (BMC Public Health, 2022).
Researchers from The Journal of Ethics also found that people often mistake online engagement for true social connection, which explains why so many of us feel “alone together” (AMA Journal of Ethics, 2023). We scroll through highlight reels, send quick reactions, and forget that genuine connection doesn’t come with a “like” button.
The good news is that reconnecting doesn’t take a major life change. It starts with small choices such as calling instead of texting, meeting up instead of messaging, or taking a walk without a screen. Real connection is messy, unpredictable, and beautifully human. Maybe it’s time we put the phones down, look up, and remember that the best kind of “likes” still come with eye contact and laughter.What better time than the holidays to reconnect with the people that mean the most to us…togetherness matters!
Elle Marie is a New Orleans native, early childhood professional, and creative digital media strategist. Passionate about helping young children learn and grow, she combines her background in early education with her love for storytelling and design to create engaging, meaningful content. Outside of her professional work, Elle enjoys waxing, facials, makeup artistry, and all things beauty and wellness; finding balance between creativity, care, and community in everything she does.
