By Mustafa Makumba

We live in a world where it is easier than ever to communicate, yet genuine human connection feels increasingly rare. A person can have hundreds of online followers, countless “friends” on social media, and still feel profoundly alone. In recent years, conversations around the effects of technology, especially social media, on human relationships have grown louder, and not without reason.

While technology has brought undeniable benefits, it has also quietly changed how people relate to one another. Moments once spent in face-to-face conversations are now often replaced with scrolling through timelines and watching short clips of strangers’ lives. The result is a culture where attention is scattered, interaction is surface-level, and meaningful relationships are harder to maintain.

From the perspective of traditional moral teachings, including those within Islamic thought, this raises important questions. Human beings are social by nature. The Qur’an reminds us that “We made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another” (49:13), underscoring that connection, cooperation, and mutual care are the foundation of healthy societies. When those bonds weaken, communities become fragile, and individuals risk falling into isolation, no matter how connected they appear online.

Social media in particular encourages constant comparison. People are tempted to measure their worth against carefully curated images of other people’s lives. This often leads to feelings of inadequacy, envy, or false pride. Where traditional wisdom would caution against arrogance and jealousy, modern platforms sometimes thrive on them. Islamic teachings repeatedly warn against these traits, which poison both the heart and society. “Do not envy one another, do not inflate prices against one another, do not hate one another, do not turn away from one another,” the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised, placing emphasis on sincerity and goodwill between people.

Another concern is the way online platforms have made it easier for people to insult, mock, or dismiss one another without consequence. Behind a screen, empathy often fades. Harmful language spreads faster than ever. Religious teachings, especially in Islam, place great importance on the dignity of others, whether one agrees with them or not. Words are treated as powerful tools that can either heal or harm. The Prophet (peace be upon him) once said, “Whoever believes in God and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent.” The online world, however, frequently reduces serious matters to jokes or outrage, weakening the sense of collective responsibility.

Yet, it would be unfair to dismiss technology entirely. It remains a powerful tool for learning, advocacy, and maintaining relationships across distances. The challenge is not the existence of social media but how it’s used. Ethical traditions, including Islamic ethics, urge people to be mindful of their habits, to use what benefits society and avoid what harms it. The same principle applies here: if a platform fosters hatred, jealousy, or endless distraction, one must ask what role it plays in their life.