In this TEDx talk, social neuroscientist Dr. Richard Lopez delves into the irony of our technology-driven world: while we’re more connected than ever, many of us feel increasingly isolated and adrift. Blending personal stories and scientific insights, he unpacks the contradiction of our digital age and urges us to break free from superficial online interactions, fostering deeper, more authentic relationships by rethinking our relationship to technology and embracing meaningful, in-person connections. Richard Lopez received his PhD in psychological and brain sciences from Dartmouth College. He was an assistant professor of psychology at Bard for three years and now teaches and conducts research at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts. Dr. Lopez is trained in social neuroscience, a newer field of neuroscience that examines links between the mind, brain, and social behaviors. Recently, Dr. Lopez and his students have been studying how young people experience and regulate their emotions in online settings, and how some individuals may be at higher risk for developing anxiety and depression based on how they use social media. His talk at TEDx Bard 2025 focused on how we can reimagine social media platforms to promote digital wellness and nurture our shared humanity. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx