How Social Media Is Killing Young Adults’ Communication Skills

Welcome to my latest musing, Humans.

Before diving in, I want to give you a fair warning: this essay may signify that I'm becoming a curmudgeon. You know, one of those grumpy old folks who can't stand the way things are going these days. But hey, I've always been a bit of a contrarian, so maybe it's just my nature.

Let's dive in, shall we?

Social media and technology have fundamentally changed how we communicate, and it's not necessarily for the better.

Young adults today have become so reliant on technology as their primary form of communication that they're losing the ability to effectively express themselves in face-to-face conversations. And let me tell you, this is a big fucking problem.

For starters, when young adults lack communication skills, they struggle to articulate their thoughts and ideas clearly and confidently. This leads to misunderstandings and conflicts in personal relationships, and in the workplace, it can be a career killer. Clear communication is essential for success — if you can't do it, you will have a bad time.

But the real kicker is that young adults struggle to build and maintain relationships when they lack communication skills. In-person communication is crucial for building trust and forming connections with others. If you can't effectively communicate, you will have a hard time developing meaningful relationships with friends, romantic partners, and colleagues.

And let's not forget that the lack of communication skills among young adults can affect their mental and emotional well-being. Without the ability to effectively express themselves, they may feel isolated and disconnected from others, leading to feelings of loneliness and depression.

So, what's the solution?

We need to teach young adults the importance of face-to-face communication. Parents, educators, and mentors need to step up and provide young adults with the skills they need to communicate effectively, such as active listening, empathy, and the ability to express themselves clearly and confidently. And young adults need to take advantage of opportunities to practice communication skills in real-life situations, such as through public speaking or debate clubs or through communication workshops and training programs.

Bottom line: Communication is essential for a fulfilling life, and it's time we start taking it seriously.