Title: The Mirage of Connection: A Physician’s Honest Thoughts on Social Media and Genuine Living
By: Damane Zehra, Radiation Oncology Resident, Pakistan
In our ever-connected society, social media frequently offers us community, belonging, and immediate access to information. At first glance, it appears to fulfill these promises—linking us with classmates, colleagues, and loved ones. However, for many, myself included, this digital network slowly transforms into more of a snare than a support: a space where image overshadows authenticity and connection becomes deceptive.
My journey with social media commenced in 2012, during my inaugural year of medical school, when I acquired my first smartphone and requested an internet connection from my father—claiming it was for educational purposes. What began as a resource for my studies swiftly evolved into a social connector, linking me to Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, and more. I joined academic communities, participated in class dialogues, exchanged notes, and fostered relationships that extended through medical school and into the demanding landscape of a hospital residency.
As time went on, my online sphere expanded. The quantity of WhatsApp groups surged, and the demand to be perpetually accessible and involved began to overwhelm me. No moment felt free from the barrage of alert sounds and message notifications, even amid my often-draining clinical routines. Social media had evolved beyond a mere tool—it became an ever-present influence that molded my thoughts, feelings, and ultimately, my perception of reality.
The Emotional Price of a Digital Existence
I estimate that I’ve devoted a substantial fraction of my life to social media. While it used to unite individuals, it now frequently transforms into a fertile ground for comparison, competition, and unattainable perfectionism. The emotional repercussions are profound.
Each perfectly posed photo, every picturesque vacation shot, every filtered image or polished update subtly pushes us toward unrealistic ideals. We consume glimpses of others’ carefully crafted happiness and juxtapose them against our unedited truths, neglecting the fact that these glimpses are highlights—not the complete picture.
I’ve experienced this personally. I’ve watched friends who once confided in me about their fatigue from parenthood now share vibrant images of their children accompanied by poetic captions. Patients increasingly pursue cosmetic enhancements—liposuction, fillers, implants—not out of clinical necessity, but because they feel pressured to pursue a filtered ideal perpetuated by social media.
From PRP treatments to gym sessions inspired by Instagram aspirations, an increasing number of individuals are prioritizing their outward appearance over their inner tranquility. And while self-expression is valid in any form, it’s essential to recognize the deeper psychological ramifications of this digital façade.
When We Confuse Performance with Presence
Contemporary life through a screen prioritizes performance over genuine presence. A morning cup of tea is no longer simply a soothing ritual—it transforms into another possible post. A sunrise, meant to be appreciated in silence, turns into a coveted Instagram picture. Even sacred journeys like Umrah and Hajj are interrupted by the urge to document and share rather than reflect and pray.
Where has our mindfulness gone? Why do we feel compelled to showcase every meal, accomplishment, and family interaction?
There’s an ironic twist. The platforms originally designed to bring us closer often leave us feeling more isolated. We exchanged meaningful conversations for likes, genuine companionship for emojis, and authentic moments of joy for curated displays.
The Hidden Truths Behind Filtered Lives
It’s tempting to buy into the flawless lives we observe online. The seemingly stellar careers, radiant skin, flourishing families, and joyful captions can render our own lives seeming tumultuous and lacking. However, real life is far more complex and rich in detail.
I’ve witnessed people post images of perfect meals they barely savored, a glowing family photo concealing profound emotional difficulties, and announcements of fellowship marred by feelings of inadequacy. Social media frequently masks the very challenges that define our humanity, breeding a culture where everyone feels the need to pretend—even amidst their struggles.
In the midst of this, we overlook something crucial: it’s okay not to curate every aspect of our lives for public view. Not everything needs to appear glamorous or flawless. In truth, the most significant connections often transpire outside of screens, in the quiet, unshared moments of existence.
A Yearning to Unplug and Regain Authentic Living
At 32, I feel exhausted from the competition that social media has instigated. I long for tranquility—both within myself and in my surroundings. I desire to relish my tea without the urge to capture the steam rising from the cup. I crave mornings where the distinction between reality and the virtual realm isn’t obscured. I want to age gracefully, choosing wrinkles over filters, conversations over captions.
Above all, I seek genuine connection—the kind where my loved ones call out of genuine care, not simply because they noticed an Instagram story update.
Letting Go Doesn’t Equate to Disconnecting from Life
It’s not about completely forsaking social media or denying its merits. It’s about establishing healthy boundaries that safeguard our peace. It’s about recognizing when digital engagement transitions into digital distraction.