You’ve Got Followers — But Who’s Got You?
Verily, verily, I say unto you, your social media presence and the never-ending deadlines have taken centre stage in your life as you climb the career ladder and chase your goals. But have you paused to consider what a lack of meaningful social interactions is doing to your well-being?
Let’s paint a scenario: I have a friend named Sarah who is a social media enthusiast, always everywhere, and a true social butterfly when it comes to her work. She’s constantly online, engaging, posting, and keeping up with trends. But here’s the thing about Sarah: despite the lifestyle that seems to be working for her, she has no real, deep connections with anyone aside from her most loyal companion, her work. And her sidekick? That’s her ever-present phone.
Now, does that sound like you?
Dangers of Isolation
The truth is, Sarah’s situation is not that unique. Sometimes, you become so wrapped up in work, activities, finding yourself, social media, or just keeping up with life that you barely notice how disconnected you have become. You exchange deep conversations for quick texts, replace quality time with endless scrolling, and convince yourself that being “busy” means being fulfilled. But is that really true?
You see, oftentimes, you convince yourself that staying constantly busy or engaged online is enough to feel connected, but without meaningful relationships, there is a feeling of being unfulfilled, even with all the external noise, and that’s where the danger lies.
The Bible speaks to this truth when it reminds us that:
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labour: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” Eccl. 4:9-10.
Signs You Might Be Socially Disconnected
There are moments when you do not even realise you are becoming socially disconnected or isolated. If any of these signs resonate with you, now might be the perfect time for some self-reflection:
- Do you feel lonely even when you are surrounded by people?
- When was the last time you had a deep, meaningful conversation with someone who truly cares about you?
- Are your relationships based mainly on work or networking rather than genuine friendship?
- Do you find it hard to put your phone down and focus on the people around you?
If you find yourself falling into any of these categories, it’s time to recognise that you need a brother or sister to lean on. Don’t wait until you fall; reach out and start building meaningful connections before it’s too late.
Life is about relationships, and at the end of your career, you won’t remember the emails you sent, the followers you gained, or the deadlines you met, but those who stood there with you all through.
What’s the Way Out?
The answer is not to abandon your career or social media presence but to prioritise real connections. Here’s how you can take intentional steps to strengthen your relationships:
1. Prioritise Face-to-Face
Schedule time for family, friends, and church gatherings. Make time to be physically and mentally present in those relationships with people you care about.
2. Engage in Deep Conversations
Go beyond surface-level small talks. Ask questions that show you care, listen with intent, and make room for meaningful conversations that might involve day-to-day activities, just to let off work steam.
3. Limit Screen Time
Set boundaries for your social media use. Dedicate tech-free hours to invest in relationships that matter and bring life. That phone won’t run away; drop it!
4. Join Communities or Fellowships
Join communities that deal with workouts, book reading, prayer or any of your hobbies that you fancy. That is one of the best ways to build deeper relationships. Whether through church or your interests, working together brings people closer.
5. Be Intentional with Your Reach Out
Don’t wait for others to make the first move. Reach out to friends, offer encouragement, and show up for those who need you.
Maybe it’s time to ask yourself: When was the last time you had a meaningful conversation without checking your phone?
What you will remember are the moments shared, the laughter, the deep conversations, and the people who truly knew and loved you. The question is, are you making time for those moments now?