Part 1: The 21st Century Social Connection Paradox

Part 1:
The 21st Century Social Connection Paradox

Technology
& Innovation – Week 1

Good or
bad? With social media, it’s all about how you use it.

Robert Frost
was being wry, which—as all wry people inevitably learn—can lead to
misunderstandings.

In his poem Mending
Wall, Frost’s narrator questions the idea that “good fences make good
neighbors,” wondering how barriers are supposed to bring us closer. Ironically,
the poem’s most-quoted line may actually reinforce the belief Frost intended to
undermine. Meanwhile, Benjamin Franklin offered his own take over a century
earlier: “Love thy neighbor as thyself, yet don’t pull down your hedges.”

Fast forward
to today, and it’s easy to see how Franklin’s sentiment endures. Social media
has made it possible to share everything—photos, opinions, even lunch—with our
neighbors and the world. But in doing so, it’s also raised new walls: privacy
boundaries, algorithmic echo chambers, and curated highlight reels that can
make us feel more disconnected than ever.

In 2023,
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a public health advisory, calling
attention to what he termed “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.”
The consequences are real and measurable—associated with greater risks of heart
disease, dementia, anxiety, depression, and premature death. In fact, chronic
loneliness can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

So what role
does social media play? Is it a bridge between friends or a wall that keeps us
apart?

A window
to the world
In many ways, social media has helped relationships endure. Where once careers
or distance might cause friendships to fade, we can now remain loosely
connected with old classmates, former coworkers, or distant relatives. That’s
not trivial—it’s actually good for our health.

“We know
that having a strong social network is associated with positive mental health
and well-being,” said Mesfin Awoke Bekalu, a Harvard research scientist.
“Social media may provide individuals with a platform that overcomes barriers
of distance and time… There is some empirical evidence supporting this.”

Social media
has also created life-saving communities around hard topics like PTSD,
addiction recovery, chronic illness, or grief. For many, it’s a lifeline to
those who understand.

Even for
everyday things—like woodworking tutorials, quirky hobbies, or niche
interests—these platforms offer connections, knowledge, and inspiration at a
scale never before possible.

Yet for all
these benefits, we’re not immune to the drawbacks. And that’s what we’ll
explore in next week’s conclusion.

Pendle Hill Advisors
is proud to contribute to the Montgomery County News with our weekly column. If
you have questions related to this article or your financial situation in
general, please give our office a call.

Kent Pendleton, AAMS®

Financial Advisor, RJFS

Pendle Hill Advisors LLC

14375 Liberty St, Ste 109 | Montgomery, TX 77356

T 936-297-8267

Kent.Pendleton@raymondjames.com | www.raymondjames.com/pendlehilladvisors

Securities offered through
Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory
services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.
Pendle Hill Advisors is not registered broker dealers and is independent of
Raymond James Financial Services.

Sources:
Harvard University; U.S. Surgeon General; National Institutes of Health; Boston
College; American Psychological Association; Mayo Clinic; Defense Advanced
Projects Research Agency; University of Maryland; New Hampshire Division of
Parks and Recreation.