Social Networking: A source of Gratification

In the past, loneliness has held a negative connotation as having no social interaction or being a misfit. Loneliness is not necessarily the act of being alone; someone could be with a group of people and feel isolated solely because they are unsatisfied. We may become lonely because we are unsatisfied with being by ourselves or just because we seek companionship in another. One way to suppress loneliness is by receiving some type of gratification. Fortunately, Social Networking sites allow people who are lonely to receive instant gratification. A workaholic for example, has no time to pick up the phone and make plans during the week. Hence when the weekend comes, the loneliness sets in. Websites like Facebook and Twitter facilitate interaction between the workaholic and his network, allowing hint to make plans or see what other's are doing. "The impulse for social connection- though it is stronger in some people than others - is rooted in the basic need to survive." The need for connection among individuals whether through a networking site or phone app alleviates feelings of being alone. Virtual connections can give us what we need, a sense of instant gratification as long as the privilege is not abused. If a virtual connection is used as a supplement to physical relationships, loneliness will only get worse. Yet if you have circumstances which don't allow for physical contact to facilitate plans, the Internet is a great way to make connections and decrease feelings of isolation. Continual contact does not necessarily guarantee happiness but some interaction can reduce negative feelings. Even if we are not physically alone, sometimes we feel mentally alone due to lack of communication between ourselves and our friends.