Social media and the constant connection to the internet, the world, and others force me to ask if we are more connected now or more alone than ever. Are we closer together, or have we built invisible walls that turn real people into a username or something even less?

Have we lost the human connection? Hiding behind keyboards and screens seems to have sacrificed decent human decency and Christianity for convenience and connectivity.

Social media and screens are no substitute for genuine human interaction. The internet barrier allows people to express themselves in ways they would never dare to in person, leading to a surge in cruelty, dangerous disagreements, and frequent misunderstandings.

We do not see the person as a complete human being with struggles, joys, and complexities. What we see is something controversial that we can fight about. We can dismiss, hate, attack, and seek to destroy those we disagree with or dislike.

The internet and social media platforms love that and help amplify the hate. Enemies are no longer human beings; they are just the latest bandwagon to jump on without ever checking the post’s veracity, criticism, or hate.

There is no need to understand the other person, and there is no need for uncomfortable face-to-face conversations; just send a text. Why visit with a friend when you need to find out what is on your social media feed?

Likes, shares, and comments are the new drugs of the age. Treating people like people requires effort and being there. However, social media is superficial; you can drop the relationship and walk away at will.

There is no need to resolve the conflict. After the attack, just block and unfriend anyone you disagree with. Of course, listening is unnecessary because you already know your response.

There are no consequences to aggressive, vicious behavior. Be as ugly and hostile as you want, no problem. It is us against them. Not a discussion but a battle, not a conversation, but conflict seems to be the sought-after item

What was supposed to bring us closer together seems to divide us more than ever. Human connections seem lost in internet space.

People are more angry, anxious, and depressed than ever. The negative interactions are having their effect. However, connected, more lonely than ever.

People are more open than ever to sharing their lives online and expressing themselves in ways they never would in person. This often leads to competition, comparison, criticism, and increased aggression. We no longer care what the other person is feeling.

We are more connected while being less connected than ever. Cyberbullying, trolling, and hate speech are everywhere.

We can change. Face-to-face conversations can resume now. We can listen and feel for the other person again. The other person is real, with hopes, fears, and feelings, and we can treat them that way. It is time to step out of our digital comfort zones and hiding places to make genuine connections.

We need each other. We don’t have to give up technology or the internet, but we can use it as a tool rather than a replacement for human interaction. Likes are not love, followers are not friends, and the connection is more than comments.

Let’s look others in the eyes again and see them for real. We should share the moment, value people, and see life as valuable. Let’s get back to the human connection.

Just because you don’t agree doesn’t mean you have to hate. You do not have to seek and destroy someone to be more of a person. What happened to treating others like you want to be treated or treating them even better?

Let’s strive to understand each other. Even though they may be online, they are real people who deserve our respect and kindness, not a drive-by shooting. We can do better. Will you?

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