Social media platforms are making us more isolated, not less connected. I deleted my Facebook app last month after realizing I spent 3 hours daily scrolling through curated highlights while my real friendships—the ones where I actually call people—had dwindled to two close friends. The algorithms push outrage and envy because engagement drives ad revenue, but genuine community requires vulnerability and patience that feeds don't reward. Can we honestly say these tools improve our social health, or have we traded meaningful interaction for performative connection?