Relationships & Family

Connected, But Not Close

Imagine this scene: a person sits in a softly lit room, bathed in the blue glow of a smartphone. Their thumb moves in a practised, hypnotic rhythm, scrolling through a vibrant, endless river of images and updates. They see friends on sun-drenched vacations, colleagues celebrating career milestones, and acquaintances showcasing seemingly perfect family lives. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of “friends” are just a tap away. Yet, in the quiet of the room, a profound sense of isolation descends. This is the central paradox of modern life. We are more technologically connected than any generation in history, able to interact with nearly 70% of the global population, yet rates of loneliness are soaring. Studies reveal a disturbing correlation: increased digital connectivity often coexists with heightened feelings of disconnection and diminished relationship quality.

Do you remember it? The specific sound of the front door closing signalled that the workday was over. The clatter of plates being set on the table. The aroma of something delicious wafting from the kitchen—maybe spaghetti bolognese or a Sunday roast—acts as a homing beacon for everyone in the house. For many of us, the memory of family dinner is a cornerstone of childhood, a time steeped in a comforting, almost sacred, ritual.