Social media has plenty of benefits, from allowing us to stay in touch with more people to increasing information access and pathways for seeking support. But it also has potential cons, as it often lends to self-comparison and can make it harder for many people to focus. Some even feel addicted to social media.<\/p>\n
No matter how you feel about social media, in 2026, there\u2019s no point pretending you can live in a world without it.\u00a0It\u2019s changed so much of how we interact with one another, even if you, yourself, don\u2019t have an Instagram account. <\/p>\n
That\u2019s why professor Bren\u00e9 Brown, who studies human connection, believes its important to understand what social media should be used for and, perhaps more importantly, its limits.<\/p>\n
Mental Health Tip of the Day: Social Media Is for Communication, Not Connection<\/p>\n
\u201cI think what\u2019s scary is we say that we\u2019re connected online. Online tools \u2014 social media, technology \u2014 those are not connection tools. Those are communication tools,\u201d Brown tells TODAY.com.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe example I love to give is if I lost my job and posted that on Facebook or Instagram, I might get 20 comments that say, \u2018God, so sorry to hear it. Wishing you the best of luck.\u2019 That doesn\u2019t take very much vulnerability for me,\u201d Brown explains. <\/p>\n
\u201c(But) if I have to pick up the phone and call you and say, \u2018Do you have a second? The worst thing just happened at work today. My whole department was laid off,\u2019 that\u2019s connection.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe you won\u2019t know what to say, and maybe it\u2019ll feel awkward, but you also might say, \u2018God, I\u2019m so glad you called. … Let\u2019s talk about it.\u2019 That\u2019s connection. The other is just communication,\u201d Brown says.<\/p>\n
Why It Matters<\/p>\n
Humans are \u201chardwired\u201d for connection, per Brown. Even if you think you don\u2019t need it as much as other people, challenge yourself to think about ways you enjoy connecting with others and which ones you could improve on, she adds.<\/p>\n
Research has shown that consistent personal connection has a range of health benefits, from improved mood and boosted life expectancy to lowered chronic disease risk and stress, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a>.<\/p>\n How to Get Started<\/p>\n Brown is a big proponent of practicing curiosity and good listening as tools to build connection. <\/p>\n For example, if you struggle with small talk, genuinely trying to learn about the other person can make it more engaging. Brown suggests questions like, \u201cWhere are you from? Did you grow up there? What do you love about it? Do you still go back? Do you miss it?\u201d<\/p>\n And then you should \u201clisten with the same passion with which you want to be heard,\u201d Brown says, quoting Harriet Lerner.<\/p>\n Brown also tries to limit her screen time and what she\u2019s exposed to social media. \u201cNormally, if I go into Instagram, I will do just my followers because I found a lot of interesting people that teach me a lot about my life, and I try to not follow influencers or grifters.\u201d<\/p>\n Brown also makes sure to get outside every day and plays competitive pickleball six days a week, another social activity.<\/p>\n