Social media and its influence have become an inextricable part of contemporary life. In Bye, Baby, Lovering examines the psychological benefits and drawbacks of this digital phenomenon through the character of Cassie, an Instagram influencer. Delving into the impact of digital communications on our lives, the novel explores how social media both fulfills and thwarts the human need for social connection and belonging.

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok cater to the desire for human connection by providing continuous opportunities for interaction. They enable users to maintain relationships, make new connections, and feel part of a community. Social media platforms are designed to influence psychological processes to attract and retain users. In “Dopamine, Smartphones & You: A battle for your time,” Trevor Haynes explains that social media platforms exploit the same neural pathways “used by slot machines and cocaine to keep us using their products” (Haynes, Trevor. “Dopamine, Smartphones & You: A Battle for Your Time.” Science in the News, 1 May 2018). Social media interactions—likes, comments, shares—trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This release encourages users to engage repeatedly with platforms, creating a loop of posting content and receiving feedback.