While social media allows for greater online connections, it can also contribute to loneliness. It delays in-person interactions and self-reflection. As online networks expand, real-life community involvement has declined. The document suggests practicing face-to-face conversations, avoiding excessive phone use, engaging locally, and maintaining strong personal relationships to counter feelings of isolation.

1. Are We Lonely?

3. We have never been more connected
through social media networks, yet have
never been lonelier

4. SOCIAL MEDIA:
Robs people of the importance of connecting on a
physical level…

5. …Delays reactions,
enables people to
create their own
persona and avoid
awkward situations…

6. …and fails to cultivate
self-knowledge and
presence.

7. As of September 2013, 73% of American
adults were using social networking sites

8. 63% of smartphone owners keep their
phone with them 24/7.

9. ¼ couldn’t recall a time in their day
when their phone was not in reach or
in the same room

10. As we’ve build expansive social networks
online, the depth of our networks offline
has declined

11. We rely too much on technology

12. And we will continue to rely on it

13. How do we break through this lifestyle?

14. UNPLUG
phones away!
engage with others

15. TALK LESS, LISTEN MORE

16. ACT LOCAL
have a presence in your
community

17. PRACTICE CONVERSATION
instead of texting to avoid awkward elevator
conversations, ask them how their day’s going!

18. FIND LIKE MINDS
put yourself out there and ensure you’re enjoying
your time spent with individuals

19. REACH OUT
stay in touch with friends to maintain strong
relationships

20. AVOID THIS……

21. AND AIM FOR THIS

22. Sources:
http://margiewarrell.com/connected-alone/
http://thefederalist.com/2014/05/22/the-loneliness-of-not-
knowing-ourselves/
http://www.marketingcharts.com/wp/online/social-networking-
eats-up-3-hours-per-day-for-the-average-american-user-26049/
http://www.pewinternet.org/fact-sheets/social-networking-fact-
sheet/
http://blog.bufferapp.com/10-surprising-social-media-statistics-
that-will-make-you-rethink-your-strategy
All photos taken from Google Commons