Reason 1: Displacement of real-world time

• People do not have to spend too much time for real life interactions when using social media

• They will rather use online communication than direct communication --> social isolation?

Reason 2: Loss of direct bonding

• Social media slowly erase the normal types of trust-building. E.g.: Eye contact, body gestures, voice tone,...

• People will be more nervous to meet each other since the trust between people has decreased

- Reason 1: People can communicate without the need for real life meeting.

+ They can express emotions and ideas through instant messaging, talk or see each other by video calling, interact through mini games on social media.

+ This can cause laziness because people don't necessary need to meet each other in real life => they avoid in-person socializing as much as they can => isolated people surrounding them

- Reason 2: People can make friends and join communities much more easily through social media.

+ Online platforms such as Facebook or YouTube have their special algorithms so that their users often get suggestions of mutual friends, strangers or communities that share the same interests

+ With a click, those users can make new friends or join a group without putting making great effort. They can message, talk and share interests instantly, instead of setting up a meeting between them and another person, travelling, waiting to get a chance to communicate => In the long run, those people will try to avoid social interaction as much as they can.

- Conclusion: While the internet in general, or social media platforms in particular, have made it easier to communicate and exchange information between people, though I would argue that it also raises a concern of social isolation by making it effortless too easy to interact with others.

My position: Social isolation has become increasingly common due to numerous factors [such as ...]. This is primarily driven by superficiality, alongside especially/ mainly the reliance on technology.

Reason 1: The very nature of digital communication is oftentimes superficial.

Supporting ideas: On social media, the constant accessibility and curation of online profiles create an environment where authenticity is replaced with performance.

=> As a result, individuals may develop many online connections but few genuine relationships, leading to feelings of loneliness despite being constantly connected.

Reason 2: Excessive reliance on screens may erode interpersonal skills.

Supporting ideas:

- It can potentially come off as increased social anxiety or a reduced ability to interpret non-verbal cues.

- In social gatherings, people may prioritize their phones instead of connecting with each other.

=> Consequently, empathy declines, relationships weaken, and social isolation becomes more prevalent.