Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Late-night scrolling, endless chats and crowded social media feeds have become a routine part of young people’s lives. Yet behind the blue glow of their screens, many say they feel more disconnected than ever. The constant stream of online interaction often masks a deep sense of isolation that does not show up in public posts.
“I’m usually fine on my phone, enjoying my own corner of the internet until a random reel about family or friends reminds me that something’s missing beyond my screen,” said Arnav Pawar, 20, a media student.
Several students say that loneliness does not always look like isolation. “I can talk all day, be around people, reply to every message, yet still feel like no one really gets me. Loneliness isn’t silence, it’s feeling unseen even when you’re right there,” said Aditi Temak, 17, a NEET aspirant.
Many believe that social media has built connections that are broad but not deep.
“Instagram makes me feel connected to everyone, yet so many people are still lonely with no one to go to in their hardest times, like we’re all together, yet each one of us is still alone behind a screen,” said Ayush Kumar, 22, a software engineer.
Mental health professionals say this pattern reflects a growing concern. “Young people spend so much time inside their phones that the digital world begins to feel like the only world. In real conversations, you feel heard. Online, you get reactions, not real understanding or empathy and that deepens loneliness,” said Smita Godse, secretary of ‘Eklavya Foundation for Mental Health’, an NGO that works towards mental health awareness and stigma removal.
Students also say that online activity does not always translate into emotional support.
“We are the most connected generation yet often feel the loneliest, real comfort lives in conversations that don’t need filters or perfect captions,” said Shikha Choudhary, 26, a CAT aspirant.
Despite frequent chats and active profiles, some report feeling emotionally distant.
“My phone never stays silent, still no one truly reaches me. I feel like I’m connected everywhere, except in the place that matters most,” said Nidhi Bade, 19, a mathematics and statistics student.
According to Godse, social skills and mental well-being need more attention. “True socialising is not just scrolling. It’s shared experiences which foster a sense of belonging, friendship and gratitude,” she said.
She added that children should be taught to express emotions openly, handle rejection and seek help without hesitation. “If something feels overwhelming, seeking help should never be seen as a failure. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.”
Mental health professionals say that acknowledging loneliness early and creating support systems that go beyond screens could help prevent larger emotional struggles in the future. As the digital world continues to expand, ensuring that young people do not lose the real connections they need to feel understood and supported remains a key priority.
