I don’t have an answer for your question but I’ll just say that when someone feels like the way you do, it’s very easy for them to walk into an exploitative trap. Don’t get used by someone just because you’re lonely or lost. There are any number of healthier and safer alternatives, usually around community building activities, like volunteering, taking classes, playing sports, etc. Good luck
I find myself struggling to connect. I feel like we live in a dystopian period where its too easy to sit and doom scroll, and most people don't find enough value in just spending time getting to know each other, or economic pressures make social endeavours too expensive for many people I know.
one thing that has helped me has been to become less of a lurker in forums/social media spaces where they discuss topics on things i ACTUALLY enjoy.
seems obvious yet I've found to be the answer to "doom scrolling". When you doom scroll, you're looking for something to peak your interest but find nothing...
The crazy thing is, you ALREADY know what you like!
Music? Try to Engage with your favorite artists, musicians, fan clubs, album reviews, listening parties (bandcamp.com)....
Space photos? Look to forums, telescope videos, equipment youtube channels, star parties (irl)
Welding? Conspiracy theories? ...whatever interests you I guarantee there is more niche content out there than you could ever possibly scroll. More than you could ever connect with. But you must connect.
(And if you do ever find the end, you can always be the fire starter for newer content!)
But you are correct, times are bleak and possibly getting bleaker.
And that makes the algorithm happy.
That's why connection (as you said) is more important now than ever. So find a place you can connect
(HN is just ONE of the many places I do - random username and everything ;) )
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