The 4th of February 2004 marked the beginning of an era in which humanity, paradoxically, became connected and fractured at the same time. Facebook, the precursor to the digital whirlwind we live in today, started as a university tool to connect students and evolved into a global entity that defines, controls and shapes our perception of the world and ourselves.
What once seemed like a step forward in human interaction has become a psychological and social prison, where frustration, loneliness and existential emptiness are the new norms.
The false perfection: A psychological tyranny
Social media has established a dictatorship of perfection. It is no longer about sharing moments or experiences but about showcasing an ideal, entirely fabricated life. Sculptural bodies, trips to unreachable paradises, extraordinary professional successes – an entire display of what we supposedly should be, but which, in most cases, does not exist beyond the screen.
The most disturbing aspect is the emotional toll. Frustration is not a collateral consequence; it is the core of this new culture. A study by the American Psychological Association indicates that over 60% of young people report feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem after engaging with social media. This is the effect of comparing oneself to an unattainable ideal, created through filters, digital editing and, increasingly, artificial intelligence.
We are bombarded with images of non-existent physical perfection. Women with impossible waists, men with abs sculpted like Greek statues, flawless skin. Yet this perfection is a mirage, and we know it. So why are we still trapped in this dynamic? Because the very structure of social media is designed to feed our insecurity, to make us believe we are not enough, and to keep us hooked, desperately seeking validation in the form of likes.
The body as merchandise: The erosion of human value
One of the most troubling aspects of today’s landscape is the exploitation of the human body as a consumable visual product. Social media, particularly platforms like Instagram and TikTok, has turned the body into merchandise to be displayed, marketed and consumed.
Erotic content dominates a significant portion of these platforms. This is not about artistic expression or individual freedom; it is a desperate strategy to gain followers and validation. Teenagers and young adults pose suggestively, using filters that exaggerate their features, creating a hypersexualised image that perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reduces people to objects.
Alarmingly, this exploitation is accepted, even celebrated, as normal. In the process, the boundaries between intimate and public blur, and the body, especially women’s bodies, becomes a tool to gain attention and relevance. This reinforces objectification and fuels a culture of consumption where a person’s value is measured solely by physical attractiveness.
Loneliness in the age of connection
Social media promised to connect us, yet it has achieved the opposite. Never before have we been so connected and, simultaneously, so isolated. Superficial interactions have replaced real relationships, and follower counts have become indicators of personal worth.
Behind every polished post and retouched smile lies overwhelming loneliness. A study by Harvard Graduate School of Education revealed that 36% of young adults feel profound loneliness, a figure that has significantly increased since the rise of social media. This disconnection is not accidental; it directly results from prioritising virtual validation over genuine human interactions.
Loneliness is not just an emotional problem; it has deep repercussions for mental health. Social disconnection, combined with the constant pressure to meet unrealistic ideals, fuels a cycle of anxiety, depression and isolation that affects entire generations.
Frustration and emptiness: The legacy of the digital age
Frustration is the invisible engine of this machinery. We are surrounded by images telling us what we should be, yet we know we can never meet those standards. This constant mismatch between aspirations and reality leaves us in a state of perpetual dissatisfaction.
Worse still, this frustration extends beyond physical appearance. It infiltrates perceptions of success, happiness and personal fulfilment. Social media has imposed a narrative where life must always be exciting, perfect and worthy of sharing. Anything less is perceived as failure.
Artificial intelligence as an ally for change
In this bleak scenario, the technology that has brought us to the edge could also become a powerful tool to reverse its worst effects. Advances in artificial intelligence offer the possibility of demanding that social media platforms de-viralise content that is inappropriate or harmful to the emotional development of younger generations.
Artificial intelligence can accurately identify content promoting unrealistic ideals, violence, hypersexualisation or other harmful messages and can act to reduce its reach or block it entirely. However, this technology also has the potential to promote higher-value content, such as positive and educational actions. For example, it could highlight individuals cleaning plastic waste from beaches, offering a more constructive and realistic aspirational model for new generations.
Unfortunately, a vicious circle persists, like a snake eating its tail. Platforms do not integrate these criteria when designing algorithms because they are ultimately uninterested. Their business model relies on generating engagement, and the reality is that current demand favours toxic, superficial or emotionally manipulative content. The virality of such content ensures more clicks, more screen time and, consequently, higher advertising revenue.
In this context, government intervention becomes essential. Governments, through specific laws, should require platforms to implement mechanisms effectively removing toxic content. Relying on the goodwill of these companies is insufficient; strict regulations must set clear limits on what content can circulate and go viral.
Artificial intelligence could play a crucial role in this process, but only if platforms are forced to prioritise social well-being over economic profit. This requires robust legal frameworks and constant oversight to ensure these standards are met. Only then can we begin transforming the digital environment into a safer, healthier and more constructive space for everyone, particularly for the generations growing up under its influence.
A path of no return or a necessary change?
The damage is done, but it is not irreversible. Although social media is deeply embedded in our society, the combination of education, technological responsibility and the conscious use of artificial intelligence could redirect this phenomenon towards a more positive impact.
Change will not be easy, but it is imperative. Platforms must assume their responsibility not only as businesses but as entities with a global impact on mental and social health. As users, we must also question how and why we interact with these tools and refocus our priorities on genuine connections, both with others and with ourselves.
If we ignore these opportunities, we will face an even more fractured future, where generations grow up trapped in a digital mirage that strips them of humanity and purpose.
It is our collective responsibility to break this cycle and build a more authentic and healthy future.