When asked why the digital connectedness in societies today has not eased loneliness among young adults, mental health experts said that these digital interactions on online platforms are often superficial, even though they are easily accessible.
Clinical psychologist Haikal Jamil who founded ImPossible Psychological Services said that many online friendships often lack the emotional depth that real-life interactions provide.
“Online connections tend to focus on brief, surface-level exchanges such as likes, comments and short messages, rather than supportive conversations.”
He added that people may accumulate numerous online friends or followers, but these relationships often fail to meet their deeper emotional needs, which can leave them feeling disconnected and unfulfilled.
Those who spoke to CNA TODAY about their feelings of loneliness opened up about how online connections are not the panacea to their lack of socialising opportunities.
Marketing executive Alex Chew, 26, said that some friends try to maintain their connection with her by sending her Instagram reels and videos on the internet.
“But is that real connection? Because I am not really being vulnerable and talking about the emotions plaguing me. It’s not building the relationship because it takes time to really know someone.
“Keeping brief contact on social media messaging does not necessarily add up and fulfil that criterion.”
When product service officer Li Mingxin encounters issues at work, the 39-year-old feels forced to bottle up his emotions because even if he writes on Facebook about his problem, not everyone welcomes it.
He also said that “a lot of people prefer reading positive things on social media and if you write about problems, nobody wants to read or care”.
Echoing his sentiment, Ms Isabel Han, 30, who is unemployed, said: “These days, social media is just a platform for people to show off and feel good about themselves as they curate their content heavily to show only the positive parts of their lives.
“In that sense, I feel more isolated because everyone is only thinking about themselves.”
The experts said that because the idea of working from home has become increasingly normal, such work trends lead to reduced engagement and community spirit among colleagues.
Dr Tan from The Therapy Room said: “To be able to look at a person, have a meal with the person, all these are not available. We may appear to be very engaged with another person online, but it’s very transactional. Your colleague is not in front of you, but on the phone. So it becomes very cold.”
Mr Haikal the clinical psychologist said that spontaneous interactions in office environments provide emotional connection and a sense of camaraderie among colleagues, which can be lacking in virtual meetings.
“As a result, this can lead to a sense of isolation and individuals may feel more disconnected from their colleagues, missing out on the social support networks that are more easily accessible in a traditional workplace.”
