The Paradox of Connection: Why We Feel More Alone in a Hyperconnected World

Living in Mexico the last few years has been amazing and, at times, isolating. The community here is soul-nourishing, and yet I sometimes miss the professional and intellectual provocation I’d grown used to…so this summer, I joined some online communities. And, well, it just isn’t the same.

In today’s hyperconnected world, we’re more “plugged in” than ever. With a few clicks, we can message a friend across the globe, contribute to a virtual community, or work with colleagues on different continents. Yet despite this constant connectivity, loneliness and isolation are skyrocketing. Over 36% of U.S. adults reported feeling “seriously lonely” in 2024. This sense of isolation is driving a host of physical and mental health challenges, including addiction, cardiovascular issues, and depression. It’s a strange paradox: the more tools for connecting we have, the more isolated our society has become.

Through my work, I have the honor of observing a wide range of humanity across various sectors and stages of life. Since COVID, I’ve noted the toll this paradox is taking on our mental, emotional, and societal well-being. Why do so many of us feel unseen and unheard, even with so many avenues for connection? From my vantage point, I see how the Western World’s cultural norms around productivity, efficiency, and individualism are contributing to our individual and collective isolation.

These observations have left me with a series of nagging questions as I try to make sense of this paradox. How can we reimagine “connection” and foster a true sense of belonging—at work, at home, and in our communities?

I’m thrilled to share that this journey inspired my upcoming TEDx talk. In this talk, I’ll explore how small, powerful shifts in our interactions can help us overcome this "Isolation Epidemic" and create cultures of authentic connection.

Stay tuned for more updates—I can’t wait to share this talk with you. In the meantime, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Where are you finding belonging? How does this paradox of isolation in a hyperconnected world show up in your life?

P.S. Mark your calendar for TEDxSonomaCounty on March 8, 2025, and let’s work together to foster a deeper sense of belonging.