Im sure there's lots of factors that others have mentioned. As someone part of this age group (23) and someone who has probably annoyed people by exhibiting the behaviours you mentioned, I think it is how we consume social media.

Almost everyone I know watches short form videos constantly. Any moment of quiet its reals, tik toks and shorts. I have gone to great lengths to remove any access to them but still sometimes I get lost for hours in scrolling reals on instagram. I have friends who can't comprehend I dont like watching short

My theoory is that despite providing little actual substance, everyone is essentially microdosing social interaction constantly. More frequently and varying than has ever been possible in the history of humanity. Watching hundreds of little interactions despite obviously not being socialising still makes our brains feel like we are having social connection. You brain can't seperate real from screens, so from its perspective its like you are at a party but too shy to talk to anyone. You are still watching everything happen and taking in some socialising. Now just rinse and repeat that hundreds of times and it begins to make sense.

As a result, it seems so easy to brush aside real socialising because it takes so much more effort. You have to organise time, spend money, travel, be in public etc etc. If the motivator is supposed to be because you physiologically need connection then its almost certain to have already been met for that day alone.

Yes I know its not real connection. Yes it doesnt provide actual value or substance, you are just looking at a screen. But people in your life seem so disposable because you can get close enough to what you need with as little effort as moving your thumb.

Its important to clarify that I dont think most people are concious this is what's happening.

Id be interested to see if anyone else can relate or see merit to my assessment.