Social networks have become synonymous with social media, where communities with similar interests share and exchange information. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a realignment with local communities that provide informal and reciprocal support. Bottom-up approaches could have been more directly engaged during the pandemic, but they remain a critical element of societal support, especially in the context of heightened inequalities and aging societies. In the UK, social network narratives are timeless, with an active and negative affect orientation, often polarizing and destructive. These narratives require explicit attention to be leveraged effectively. In contrast, Japanese social networks project a sense of delight through active and positive content, also being timeless. There is recognition that not all information is valid, and while better connectivity can fuel community, broader controls and ethical considerations are necessary. In Japan, there is a sharp dichotomy in the nature of topics driving engagement, some of which are relatively dated. There is a strong positive association between gaining a world view and chat, while companies and words have a negative association due to the pressure created by connectivity. Social networks are widely used in both the UK and Japan, but the content differs, offering many opportunities for improved engagement. Connectivity is part of modern living, but it does not necessarily empower people with greater control, as expectations of improved responsiveness can create new lifestyle pressures. There is currently a sense of separation between digital and analogue social networks, partly reflecting the need to change dramatically during the pandemic and new expectations.Social networks have become synonymous with social media, where communities with similar interests share and exchange information. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a realignment with local communities that provide informal and reciprocal support. Bottom-up approaches could have been more directly engaged during the pandemic, but they remain a critical element of societal support, especially in the context of heightened inequalities and aging societies. In the UK, social network narratives are timeless, with an active and negative affect orientation, often polarizing and destructive. These narratives require explicit attention to be leveraged effectively. In contrast, Japanese social networks project a sense of delight through active and positive content, also being timeless. There is recognition that not all information is valid, and while better connectivity can fuel community, broader controls and ethical considerations are necessary. In Japan, there is a sharp dichotomy in the nature of topics driving engagement, some of which are relatively dated. There is a strong positive association between gaining a world view and chat, while companies and words have a negative association due to the pressure created by connectivity. Social networks are widely used in both the UK and Japan, but the content differs, offering many opportunities for improved engagement. Connectivity is part of modern living, but it does not necessarily empower people with greater control, as expectations of improved responsiveness can create new lifestyle pressures. There is currently a sense of separation between digital and analogue social networks, partly reflecting the need to change dramatically during the pandemic and new expectations.