By Satyakam Ray

The 21st century brought a ton of sunshine into everybody’s life as technology and communication became easier. Social media, the internet, and smartphones make everything seem easier. The distance between people has decreased a lot. Messaging across the globe has been a thing of the past. But why does it still feel like social isolation and disconnection have increased over the years?

With the advent of social media like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp, the connection between individuals has eased a lot. Long-lost friends and relatives now meet and reunite after years due to the positive impact of technology. We like each other’s posts and comments, and keep track of what the other person is doing. But, somehow, we avoid meeting in person, and the shallowness of friendship becomes apparent as we avoid in-person contact for extended periods.

The bonding and human charm one experiences when meeting a person can’t be replicated virtually. Sadly, great family reunions are rare these days and limited to special occasions. A deep talk over coffee or tea is a hundred times better than loads of online chats. It feels more natural to talk in person. Virtual communication is easy, but it doesn’t provide the warmth and affection of face-to-face interaction.

Imagine someone in your distant family gets sick and is admitted to a hospital. You will get a ton of messages, voice notes, and get well soon wishes online, rather than someone coming to your hospital to meet in person. Those who like you so much will take the trouble to make efforts. Many are just bypassing the social drama by being present during the good times. It feels kind of fake, these social relations we try to keep up.

The increase in social distance is directly related to decreasing empathy, humanity, and compassion among people. We may be outsmarted by the technology, but underwhelmed by the lack of emotive intelligence as we grow as a society. The divisions we have created—language, race, religion, and nationality—separate us profoundly. It’s clear that we often perform social roles just to bridge the gap between awkwardness and connection, merely to maintain relationships.

Can we overcome this moral decay? Of course! If we genuinely think about the betterment of society, we can still meet and create memories, create a bond, and be more humane in that aspect. Online connection cannot replace in-person interaction. For actual validation, one must seek the warmth of society in tandem, as we tend to be social animals rather than being in solitude. It’s literally in our hands!