"Big World" is a short story that explores the theme of loneliness and isolation in a world that is constantly connected and interconnected. It tells the story of a young man named Tom who is struggling to find his place in the world and to connect with others.
At the beginning of the story, Tom is described as being a loner who spends most of his time in his small apartment, surrounded by the screens of his various electronic devices. He is disconnected from the world around him, and he feels like he doesn't belong anywhere.
One day, Tom discovers a new social media platform called "Big World," which promises to connect him with like-minded people from all over the world. Excited by the prospect of finally finding a place where he fits in, Tom quickly signs up and begins using the platform.
However, as Tom spends more time on Big World, he begins to realize that the connections he is making are superficial and shallow. He is still lonely and isolated, even though he is now "connected" to hundreds of people online. In fact, the more time he spends on the platform, the more he feels like he is losing touch with the real world and the people around him.
As the story progresses, Tom becomes increasingly disillusioned with Big World and the idea that he can find real connection and meaning through social media. He begins to realize that true connection and belonging come from face-to-face interactions with real people, and that he has been missing out on the richness and depth of human relationships by relying on screens and digital communication.
In the end, Tom decides to disconnect from Big World and to start reaching out to the people in his own community, building real relationships and finding a sense of belonging in the real world. The story ends on a hopeful note, as Tom begins to build a new life for himself and to find meaning and connection in the world around him.
Overall, "Big World" is a thought-provoking and poignant exploration of the theme of loneliness and isolation in a world that is constantly connected and interconnected. It highlights the dangers of relying on digital communication and social media to find meaning and connection, and the importance of building real relationships with the people around us.