Loneliness and social media are are potent mix of self-reinforcing behavior. Loneliness creates the conditions for greater social media use because social medi

Loneliness and social media are are potent mix of self-reinforcing behavior. Loneliness creates the conditions for greater social media use because social media is a pseudo-satisfier for real human connections. Meanwhile, short form social media like twitter & tiktok mimics a schizophrenia-like experience of hearing many unrelated voices in quick succession. Social media use is also habitual and addictive, meaning you're not entirely in control as you keep scrolling for hours on end. It's not a stretch to imagine that one consequence of this situation is to start seeing connections where there are none, which at the extremes is the root of conspiracy thinking. Making connections is also a form of regaining control, and when played out on social media is a way to feel like you're connected with others and part of something of consequence. Of course outside of devices, this conspiratorial slide further isolates you from society, and so the self-reinforcing spiral continues.