Social media can help maintain contacts. But they cannot replace real encounters, says a psychotherapist. How many close friendships you should maintain according to the expert.
Several hundred followers on Instagram, numerous digital messages, approval via hearts, likes and comments. And yet sometimes it feels surprisingly empty. Because digital proximity cannot replace real encounters.
“We need real contact, including skin contact,” says Tatjana Reichhart. The doctor of psychiatry and psychotherapy works as a coach and trainer in Munich. “You can’t make up for that through social media.”
2 to 5 close relationships are enough
But don’t worry: no one has to maintain thousands of analog contacts to feel connected. According to Reichhart, two to five close relationships are often enough.
Who are my close relationships? You can clarify this with two simple questions:
- Who could I call at night and ask for help?
- Who would I help if I called at night?
Create space for analog meetings
Anyone who notices that such answers are missing can see this as a signal to reorient their everyday life more towards personal encounters. It’s best to do it step by step, with small appointments and fixed time windows for real contacts.
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