Why Does Social Media Feel Less Authentic?
Where have all the real people gone? Yay if people are spending less time online in general, but is this the case? Or are we just becoming more passive users?
While much has been said about the decline of in-person interactions, what about the virtual world? Are we becoming more detached—or perhaps even more silent—online?
It seems that many people are growing increasingly cautious about expressing themselves on social media. The fear of backlash, especially when posting something personal or controversial, often leads to self-censorship or total silence. Despite the abundance of platforms and resources at our disposal, it feels as though our voices are getting drowned out. Maybe it’s not that we have less to say, but that there’s simply nothing worth engaging with anymore. Are we overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information? We scroll through endless content without it truly resonating. We consume, but don’t always feel compelled to respond. Let’s dive deeper into why this might be happening.
The Loss of Empathy
The constant flood of news about global crises—wars, climate change, human rights violations—has left many of us desensitized. We’ve learned to cope with this constant stream of distressing information, but there’s something deeply troubling about it. We flip through headlines of tragedy and suffering without truly connecting with the pain of others. It's as if we no longer see people as humans, but rather as numbers or images on a screen. The danger here is clear: when we lose empathy, we begin to dehumanize others—and in doing so, we lose a part of our own humanity. History has shown us how this works. During World War II, for example, propaganda portrayed the enemy as monstrous caricatures to stir hatred and justify violence. When we stop seeing people as human beings, it becomes easier to justify cruelty.
The Loss of Reactivity
Social media used to be vibrant and full of interaction. Over a decade ago, we eagerly embraced this new platform for self-expression and connection. We shared status updates, photos, and thoughts without hesitation. We posted personal moments—like vacation photos (sometimes entire albums!)—without filters. It was raw, real, and genuine. Then came the “like” button, and we quickly adopted it as a way to react to posts with likes, comments, and shares. But today, the dynamic feels different. Posts now receive fewer reactions. Many users have become silent followers, reluctant to speak their minds for fear of trolling or backlash. Those who do engage are often more cautious, avoiding controversy. Is it because life has become busier, or have we simply lost the energy to debate online?
The Loss of Authenticity
We’ve all become more cautious about what we share online, and with good reason. Data misuse, privacy concerns, and surveillance are constant worries. We’re careful not to reveal too much for fear of exploitation by tech companies. While this caution is understandable, it has made social media feel less authentic. Many platforms now prioritize algorithm-driven feeds, often showcasing branded content rather than posts from people we actually know. It also feels like every post is just another business pitch. As a result, it’s harder to connect with friends or find content that truly matters to us. Features like Reels and Stories promote quick, shallow consumption, rather than deeper, more meaningful engagement. In our efforts to protect our privacy, we may have unintentionally turned social media into a more formulaic and less personal space. Add to that the rise of AI-generated content, and it’s increasingly difficult to know if what we’re seeing is actually created by real people. Without authenticity, there’s no trust, and without trust, meaningful exchanges on these platforms lose their value. Only in a safe, genuine environment can honest and productive discourse truly happen.
The Loss of Attention
We’ve entered an era of passive consumption. We scroll through content mindlessly, moving from post to post without really engaging. The joy of browsing seems to have faded. The pressure to post, like, and share has turned many of us into weary, unenthusiastic followers. We’re exhausted from staring at our screens, yet we keep doing it. Instead of stepping into the world to make change, we just keep scrolling through updates on climate change, political issues, and other crises. Platforms like TikTok and Snapchat thrive on our attention, feeding us rapid, bite-sized clips that don’t give us time to reflect, post a reply or add any of own content before we are swept along with the next clip. With so much content available, it’s harder to stay engaged, especially when much of it feels recycled or shallow. And then there's platform fatigue—too many platforms, each with its own content, links, and subscriptions. We're constantly bombarded by newsletters, promotions, and calls to action. The volume of junk mail is overwhelming. To access content, we often have to surrender personal data, like email addresses, only to be bombarded with more unsolicited emails, which forces us to unsubscribe and waste even more time. A report by Gartner[1] suggests that by 2025, 50% of social media users will reduce their time online, largely due to the perception that content has become poorer, only time will tell.
Declining Engagement in the Real World
This disengagement isn’t confined to the digital world. It’s happening in real life, too. Since the pandemic, people seem more likely to opt out of social interactions. Responses to messages take longer, or sometimes they don’t come at all. Invitations go unanswered, and plans are canceled at the last minute with excuses. It often feels like social etiquette has slipped away. While it’s easier to avoid engagement, we mustn’t forget the importance of human connection. Whether it’s helping a neighbor or just checking in with a friend, interactions strengthen our communities. When we listen to one another, we begin to understand the bigger picture. The more we speak, the closer we get to finding solutions or compromises that work for everyone. Every action, after all, comes with good intent. Through greater interaction, we can better understand the behaviors and motivations of others.
The Importance of Speaking Up
This trend of disengagement—both online and offline—reveals how disconnected we’ve become. Silence may feel safer, but it’s also dangerous. When we stop speaking, we stop listening. And without listening, we fail to understand one another, which only deepens divisions.Human connection is vital to our mental health and well-being, whether online or in person. While it’s important to be mindful of toxic comments and to respect others’ boundaries, we must keep engaging. Shutting down entirely only harms ourselves and society.
When it comes to the internet, we can't afford to remain passive. We must actively shape, influence, and guide its growth in a positive direction. This means being vocal and engaged. Our aim should be to strike a balance—spending less time online and more time in the real world. Yet, the online space offers a powerful platform that can be used for meaningful, productive purposes—and it’s here to stay. It’s crucial that we continue to speak up, share our opinions, and express our experiences without fear. As Audre Lorde wisely said:
"When we speak, we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So it is better to speak."
[1]https://webinar.gartner.com/561781/agenda/session/1269234?login=ML
Images: DimaBerlin / Shutterstock.com, depositphotos.com
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