“Connection.” It’s everywhere, or at least it feels like it should be. But how connected are we, really? I spoke to two people with different lives and experiences to find out what connection means to them and how they see it shaping our world.
Snapshot 1: Elaine, 42, Freelance Designer, Living in the Countryside
Elaine’s Take:
“I feel most connected when I’m offline. Sounds ironic, doesn’t it? But out here in the countryside, there’s this unspoken connection between neighbours. We don’t text each other much, but when someone needs help, you just turn up. During lockdown, that sense of connection grew – we’d drop groceries off, check in on the elderly. But since things ‘returned to normal,’ I feel like people are retreating again. We’re so busy scrolling, we forget to look up and say hello.”
Her Thought on Society:
“I wonder if all this technology makes us lonelier. We have more ways to connect, but fewer meaningful connections. It’s like drinking salt water – it looks like it’ll quench your thirst, but it leaves you craving more.”
Snapshot 2: Rafi, 27, Tech Startup Employee, Urban Apartment
Rafi’s Take:
“Honestly, my connection to people feels stronger than ever. I live in a block of flats in London, and we’ve got this WhatsApp group where we share everything – from lost packages to local events. And at work, my team is like my second family. Yeah, it’s a digital-first world, but the tools we have now make it easier to bridge gaps. My best friend lives in Singapore, and we FaceTime every week. I don’t feel like I’m missing out.”
His Thought on Society:
“I think connection is about effort. If you want to feel it, you make the time. Maybe people struggle with that because it takes energy, but the tools are there. For me, it’s about being intentional – showing up, whether online or in person.”
Two different worlds, two different takes. Elaine sees connection as something quiet, almost invisible – an act of being present. Rafi sees it as boundless, powered by tech and intentionality. But both agree: connection is about showing up, in whatever way you can. So, what does connection mean to you?
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