We’re more connected than ever. Phones, apps, and social media make it easy to stay in touch at all hours of the day. But many people still feel alone. In fact, nearly 1 in 3 Albertans say they feel lonely — even though they’re “online” most of the time. So what’s going on?

Why digital connection isn’t always enough

The internet and social media can help us stay updated on what’s going on in the world and keep in contact with the people in our lives, especially if we live far away from friends or family. But digital communication doesn’t give us the same experience as face-to-face connection.

When you’re in the same room as a friend, you can pick up on cues like the tone in their voice, their body language, or facial expressions. That’s what makes connection feel real, and it’s what often gets lost in digital spaces.

When we communicate online, it’s easy to:

Misread messages: Without tone or body language, we often fill in the blanks with our own assumptions, and they’re not always right.
Skip deeper conversations: Surface-level check-ins can replace the meaningful, vulnerable exchanges that actually build closeness.
Stay “safe” behind screens: We control what we show, avoiding emotional risk that can help build mental resilience.

Sometimes, we even hide how we really feel, and that makes loneliness worse.

Loneliness vs. solitude

Being alone isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, healthy solitude can help you recharge and get to know yourself better.

But harmful isolation feels different. It drains your energy and makes it hard to enjoy things or reach out to others.

If your alone time feels more tiring than restful, it might be a sign that you’re missing real connection.

How digital life affects our energy

Constant digital engagement can also wear us down.

There’s pressure to be available all the time
Work and home boundaries blur
Screen time adds up, and so does mental fatigue

You might end the day feeling mentally exhausted, even if you didn’t talk to anyone in person. This is called social fatigue, and in our hyper-connected world, it’s more common than ever.

The social media trap

When we scroll through social media, it can feel like everyone else is doing great. They’re posting photos with friends, celebrating wins, and always looking happy.

But most of the time, we’re only seeing a small part of the picture. People don’t usually share the hard days or the moments when they feel unsure.

This can lead to a lot of quiet comparisons. You might start to wonder, Why don’t I feel like that? or What’s wrong with me?

The truth is: nothing is wrong with you. It’s normal to feel this way, especially when it seems like everyone else has it figured out. But what we see online doesn’t always reflect real life.

Making room for growth and connection

If you’ve been feeling lonely, it might mean you’re ready for more meaningful connection. The good news? Connection can be on your terms. It doesn’t have to be big or overwhelming.

Here are some simple ways to start reconnecting in your day-to-day life:

Say hello to someone new. Even that small acknowledgement of a ‘hello’ and a smile can help you know that you’re not alone and it may open the door to a conversation.
Ask a friend to meet for coffee. You don’t need a big reason to ask someone to meet up. A short visit can be enough to brighten your day.
Set small goals around connection. Ask yourself, “When and how can I intentionally put myself in social situations?” That could mean attending a weekly class, joining a club, or simply showing up somewhere new.
Use online tools to find in-person events. Connections and events through things like social media groups can be an easy first step to meeting people face-to-face. Low-pressure social commitments are often a great place to start.

Connection takes time, and it looks different for everyone. But it starts with showing up, just a little, and giving yourself the chance to feel close again. Even one real conversation can make a big difference in your day.

How to reconnect with people in real life

If spending time online still leaves you feeling lonely, you’re not alone. It’s okay to want more than quick messages or passing updates—you might be craving real, meaningful connection.

Loneliness can be tough to talk about, but support is here when you're ready. Counselling can help you explore what you're feeling, understand what’s getting in the way of connection, and take steps toward building relationships that feel genuine and supportive.

Information for this blog was provided by registered social worker, Sarah Rosenfeld, and registered psychologist, Lisa McIsaac.

Connected but lonely? The gap between digital contact and true closeness