The idea of being progressive and modern has always fascinated the humankind. It is by being modern that we set envision our ideal-selves. Therefore, the highly-celebrated existence of technology was chosen as means to attain the standard of being modern. This shift from being conventional to progressive was prevalent in the societal change that followed the industrial revolution. However, our quest to being progressive has given birth to an inescapable maze of modern loneliness.
Surrounded by interactions and yet so alone. Globally connected and yet so isolated.
Letting Loneliness Paving Its Way
In the contemporary times, we socially interact with innumerable amount of people. However, it is the traditionally-atypical form of interaction that give birth to modern loneliness- interacting via social media.
To begin with, social media has deprived us of meaningful relationships. Rather than being our true selves, we wear the mask of our virtual-selves during the interaction. Moreover, the persona of a friend being implied can be very deceiving in terms of their true personality. It is the realization and threat of this deception, that drags us in the maze of modern loneliness. To add on, modern loneliness also arises from misinterpretation of one’s virtual identity. For instance, we often interpret one’s energy through mere texts. Since the energy can be interpreted as being very low, this thought often pervades our mind and gives birth to the act of ghosting. This leads to the possibility of us self sabotaging potentially meaningful friendships and thus, this paves the way for modern loneliness.
In the name of modernity and progress, we ourselves created a gateway to the inescapable maze. And through this gateway, modern loneliness paves its way.
Lost In The Maze- Disoriented
Like mentioned above, modern loneliness is inescapable. However, this doesn’t destine one’s fate. The contemporary youth is in a constant struggle to discover a golden escape gate. Unfortunately, every path chosen to do so ultimately leads to failure and self-sabotage. For instance, friends often end up sabotaging themselves while adopting the very common used silent-treatment, rather than taking up the option of talking themselves out of the issues. Ever wondered why silent-treatment is prominent among peers? Like mentioned above, our self-constructed virtual identities have altered how we view ourselves. We’ve been transformed into self-interested and egoistic selves- unapologetic and a complete disregard of our existing faults. Thus, we sabotage our potential real-life friendships at the expense of our high-esteemed virtual selves. It is after this sabotage that the wave of loneliness hits.
To add on, the foundation of being lonely lies with the inability to relate to people. This raises an ironic question- How can we expect to relate to others while concealing our true selves? Why do we strive to match our energies whilst hiding ours in the first place? How do we expect others to know us to the core while we don’t know ourselves?
Put yourself in a hypothetical position. Imagine yourself lost in a real-life maze with intruders. Would you unveil your true self to them? Would you choose the path that they insist you to take? If yes, it’ll simply be representative of your naivety. If no, you’re aware of a modern individual’s dual nature of living. And though living the dual life seems like hypocrisy, its the essence of modernity and thus, inescapable.
Do We Have An Escape Key?
As the title of this article claims, modern loneliness is inescapable. However, reducing its adverse impact while dwelling in it is very possible . Amidst chaotic setting of the maze, all we need is plan of action; achieving a balance between one’s virtual and real lives. Rather than relying solely on the virtual relationships, one should start prioritising the real-life relationships. For example; creating meaningful relationships outside the world of social media should always be prioritised. While disregarding one’s virtual identity might lead to marginalization in the contemporary society, fixating on it can be detrimental to one’s face to face social lives. To add on, one’s virtual identity should be reflective of the real-life identity. In this way, individuals wouldn’t have to put in efforts while make real life conversations. If one’s true self isn’t conversing, this can also lead to loneliness because then the virtual self overpowers the real-self.
The answer lies is setting the priorities straight. To conclude, never let the maze take over you.Don’t just dwell in it, challenge it!
