Digital Disconnect

Digital Disconnect by Rowan Braverton

A powerful coming-of-age story about losing yourself online-and finding something real.

Sixteen-year-old Alex is trapped in a double life: the flawless Instagram persona he's built online and the messy, anxious reality he's barely holding together offline. As his self-worth becomes increasingly tethered to likes, follows, and filtered perfection, cracks begin to form-impacting his grades, his friendships, and his mental health.

A single comment. A panic attack in the library. A fractured relationship with his best friend. These moments force Alex to confront the digital fog clouding his identity. Through vulnerability, connection, and creativity, he embarks on a journey toward balance, reclaiming his offline relationships, healing through art, and redefining what success truly means.

Blending heartache with hope, Digital Disconnect explores themes of social media pressure, anxiety, and self-acceptance in the digital age. With a voice that's authentic, intimate, and deeply human, Rowan Braverton delivers a resonant story for teens, parents, educators, and anyone who's ever felt lost in the scroll.