LIONS ONLINE, SILENT IN REAL LIFE: IDENTITY, PERFORMANCE, AND THE FRAGILITY OF HUMAN RELATIONS IN THE DIGITAL SOCIETY

Abstract

This article critically analyzes the re-significations of human relations in contemporary society in light of the maximization of social media and digital platforms. A increasingly frequent phenomenon is observed: individuals who adopt aggressive, bold, and highly expressive behaviors in virtual environments, yet demonstrate withdrawal, insecurity, and communication difficulties in face-to-face relations. Although frequently associated with young people, this behavior also migrates into adulthood, affecting and weakening family, affective, professional, and social relationships. The study seeks to understand how the logic of hyperexposure, the quest for recognition, and the culture of performance influence the building of identities and undermine face-to-face human experiences. It is theoretically grounded in authors such as Paula Sibilia, Byung-Chul Han, Axel Honneth, Jonathan Haidt, Guy Debord, and Carl Rogers. The research is bibliographic, qualitative, and critical-reflective in nature. It concludes that the digital society produces individuals who are increasingly dependent on virtual validation, while face-to-face relationships become fragile, superficial, and emotionally impoverished.