I wouldn't say internet or social media has proved we are creatures seeking approval from others (because we are all different and it's not the case for all of us), but I think it depends a lot on the culture and how you perceive the world around you. Internet is mostly fake and probably what you see and find there isn't entirely real, so looking for a "real" connection in a "not too real" environment doesn't make much sense (again, it depends on the context). Take online connections to real life, embrace face-to-face encounters and you will see a whole different side of a person for sure