Social Media Corrupts Human Interactions

By Ujjwal Prakash

In a world where every moment is filtered through a phone screen, young people are increasingly finding themselves anxious, lonely, and creatively stuck. Alarmed by the rising tide of depression, anxiety, and what many call “brain rot” from endless social media feeds, second-year VSJMC students at Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies–TC, Delhi, have launched #TheNextgenNarrative—a PR campaign aimed at pulling their peers out of the reel world and back into authentic, empathy-driven interactions.

Recent studies show that infinite scrolling heightens anxiety, depression, and FOMO (fear of missing out), fueling alarming rates of social isolation and declining creativity among youth. Students identified a critical issue: smartphones—now in 971.5 million Indian hands, up from 969.6 million in June 2024 (TRAI report, January 2025)—have eroded face-to-face human connection. Experts warn that constant digital engagement is replacing real conversations, leaving young people disconnected and adrift.

In response, TheNextgenNarrative introduced a series of low-tech, people-first events last month. Activities like Speed Friendship pairing, “Two Truths, One Lie” icebreakers, and Name-Tag Empathy sessions encouraged participants to move past curated online identities and connect with their peers as they truly are. A Creativity Showdown on Paper highlighted the importance of original thought in an age increasingly tempted to outsource creativity to AI, rekindling sparks dulled by mindless scrolling.

After just a few gatherings, many students reported feeling lighter, more present, and inspired to lift their eyes from their screens. What started as a small initiative among classmates has quietly become a wake-up call: empathy, laughter, and shared experiences can begin to heal the disconnect that social media creates.

This isn’t a flashy fix or a headline-hungry stunt—it’s a gentle yet powerful step toward reclaiming our fractured social compass. And in an age ruled by reels, it just might help us all remember how to live in colour again.

Note: This article is part of the student blog section, where students from the campus report on initiatives, events, and stories shaping their community.