I concur, Johnny -- it isn't personal grief, it's Token Grief. The more we are defined by our communication channels, rather than by our choices and actions, the more real experience gets replaced by Token Experience and Media Meaning takes the place of personal meaning.
I find it very offputting to watch this trend over the decades since TV was first introduced. But it was going on earlier, with radio and movies defining the pattern as well. But it is dehumanizing in a sense and certainly erodes any values at the individual center.