The author reflects on their college experience, emphasizing the impact of social media on their feelings of loneliness despite active participation in extracurricular activities. They contrast their idealized vision of college life with the reality they encountered, highlighting how social media platforms like Instagram and location-sharing apps like Find My Friends contributed to a sense of isolation. The author argues that modern technology has made it easier to maintain superficial relationships, as evidenced by the impersonal nature of party invitations and the lack of personal connection in friendships. This realization prompted a shift in their behavior, where they actively sought deeper connections by initiating conversations, asking for photos beyond curated feeds, and attending events with strangers. The author concludes that true friendship requires effort and risk-taking, and they found solace in taking control of their social life, ultimately transforming their college experience from lonely to fulfilling.
