Avoidance Undermines Shame's Purpose

Avoiding social interactions, particularly in the context of bullying, allows individuals to escape feelings of shame, undermining the emotional consequences that shame was designed to enforce. The rise of online friendships and substances like THC and CBD provides alternative coping mechanisms, preventing the necessary confrontations that traditionally drove personal growth. This avoidance contradicts the evolutionary purpose of shame, which thrived in environments of constant social contact and accountability. Consequently, the effectiveness of shame diminishes, leading to unhealthy behaviors and toxic interactions online, as individuals no longer face the direct repercussions of their actions and emotions.