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social
/ˈsəʊʃəl/
The word "social" can describe a large system (like society) or a person's personality. When talking about people, it means they enjoy being around others. In modern English, "social" is very frequently used as a shorthand for "social media," such as in the phrase "social networking." Be careful not to confuse "social" (the adjective) with "society" (the noun).
💬Conversación Casual
Hey, Chloe just texted me about your comments on her new post. Maybe ease up?
WHAT? I AM JUST TRYING TO BE SOCIAL WITH MY GRANDDAUGHTER. SHE NEVER CALLS ME.
Meanings
Relating to society or its organization.
"The government is implementing new social reforms to reduce poverty."
Needing companionship; fond of interacting with others.
"She is a very social person who loves attending parties and networking events."
Examples
I just don't feel very social tonight, sorry.
Stop scrolling through your social media and look at me!
The city's social services are completely overwhelmed right now.
Look, I'm just not a social butterfly like you are.
We need to fix these social inequalities immediately.
Is this a social gathering or a business meeting, exactly?
My social anxiety is peaking just thinking about the party.
Seriously, your social media presence is a total disaster!
She has such a vibrant social life in the city.
Ugh, why are you being so social with my boss?
Collocations & Compounds
social media
Websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking.
social skills
The abilities an individual possesses to interact effectively with others.
social security
Government-funded financial support provided to people who are unable to work due to age, disability, or unemployment.
social butterfly
A person who is socially confident and enjoys spending time with many different people.
social norms
The unwritten rules of behavior that are considered acceptable in a group or society.
Idioms & Sayings
social butterfly
A person who is socially skillful and enjoys spending time with many different people.
social climber
A person who attempts to gain a higher social status or prestige through calculated associations.
social distancing
The practice of maintaining physical space between people to prevent the spread of a contagious disease.
social graces
The skills and manners used to interact politely and effectively in social situations.
social contract
An implicit agreement among members of a society to cooperate for mutual benefit.
Cultural Context
The Social Dilemma: How Our Digital Lives Reshape Us
In the 21st century, the word 'social' has taken on a profoundly new dimension, largely thanks to the advent and ubiquity of social media. While 'social' traditionally referred to our interactions within physical communities – our family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors – it now encompasses a vast, often intangible, digital landscape. This shift has sparked intense debate and concern, famously captured in the documentary 'The Social Dilemma'.
The core of the dilemma lies in the business models of major social media platforms. These companies thrive on user engagement, meaning they are designed to keep us scrolling, clicking, and interacting for as long as possible. This is achieved through sophisticated algorithms that learn our preferences and deliver tailored content, often exploiting our psychological vulnerabilities. Features like infinite scroll, notifications, and curated feeds are engineered to trigger dopamine releases, creating a feedback loop that can lead to addiction and a distorted sense of reality.
This constant digital immersion has significant consequences. It can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and inadequacy as we compare our own lives to the carefully curated highlight reels of others. It can contribute to anxiety and depression, fueled by cyberbullying and the pressure to maintain an idealized online persona. Furthermore, the algorithmic amplification of polarizing content can deepen societal divisions and undermine democratic processes by creating echo chambers and spreading misinformation at an unprecedented rate.
The challenge, then, is to navigate this new social paradigm consciously. It requires us to be aware of the manipulative design of these platforms and to actively cultivate healthier digital habits. This might involve setting time limits, curating our feeds more intentionally, and prioritizing real-world interactions. Understanding the 'social' architecture of the digital world is no longer just a matter of convenience; it's crucial for our individual well-being and the health of our society.