My favorite part of the olympics is watching the competition, but I think some of the special interest stories are just as inspiring, if not more.
With regard to the online environment being counter to improving, I tend to agree. All my old socials are dormate and have no intention of ever using them actively again. They are cesspools. However, blogging here has allowed me to do alot of introspection, and although small, make improvements to my on challenges with isolation.
The competition is good, as it drives people to be their best. The etymology of the word compete is interesting
"strive in common, strive after something in company with or together,"
That means that it isn't against another person, it is with the other person for a common goal. Like the sprinters who train together to see who can be the fastest over 100m.
Most social platforms don't even encourage creating on them for most people now, unless looking to monetize. They are all about consumption, not creativity.