Why is our generation so afraid of connection?

Have you ever noticed that people make less and less effort to get to know each other over the years?

Imagine you go out with a few friends, and one of them brings a few people you don't know. The polite move is for your friend, the "link" between friend groups, to introduce everyone. Then everyone should attempt to make some small talk to break the ice, maybe get a few drinks in, some games, some dancing, whatever.

Lately though, compared to maybe 3-4 years ago, I've noticed that people just nod politely at each other, maybe say something shallow just to say they've participated in conversations, and stick to their own group of people they already know, or even stick to their phones a lot. 

Of course, sometimes we're exhausted and socially drained, but that's different. That's totally normal and not what I'm discussing here.

To be clear, this isn't about shyness. Shy people often want to connect, but struggle to do so.

I think that people who do not make any effort in getting to know the rest of the group are intentional in their actions, they just don't care to make human connections. They retreat to the friends they know and never include the others, never make an attempt to do so, and only talk about their "adventures" and never ask about anyone else's experiences. 

By doing that, by staying on their phones and in their comfort zone, they are most likely missing out on a great time, missing out on new friends, new connections and new perspectives in life. Even if they end up not liking the socialization, they've discovered new things about themselves, their taste in people, their boundaries, and so on. 

I've done this too. Just a few weeks ago, I didn't make that much effort to get to know other people at a hangout, and I felt terrible afterwards, I probably missed out on making some great friends that night. Swore I'd never do this again. 

With the popularization of social media, with the rise of AI and after the pandemic I think we all benefit from stepping out of our comfort zone every once in a while, and make human connections. 

We're each other's biggest allies, and we're getting too comfortable being lonely. 

That's my two cents for today!

- Rita <3