Interesting post – but I have a different opinion. I think it depends on how you use social media. There are definitely downsides to it, and it's up to you how you interact with it. 
I do a lot of hillwalking, and I've met hundreds of other hillwalking fanatics through the Meetup platform. Some of those people have become real friends; others acquaintances, and we often interact on Facebook. Most of those interactions are just about fun and exchanging photos, with Messenger often used for planning trips (and more fun). 
When we're on the hills, we have long days full of real eye-to-eye contact interaction. I always have my phone on Airplane mode when I'm on the hills. After the walk we usually go somewhere for refreshment and more chat. 
So I personally believe you have the choice whether to make social media your slave or whether to be a slave to social media.