When communication becomes more... and humanity less
In an era where a single tap of a button is all that separates us from others, we find ourselves living in a striking social paradox: we communicate more, yet at times we feel more alone. We know the news of those around us in real time, seeing their photos, occasions, and travels, but we may not truly know what hurts them or what occupies their hearts.
Social media has transformed the shape of human relationships. It has facilitated access, bridged distances, and opened wide doors for acquaintance and the exchange of knowledge. Yet, at the same time, it has rendered some relationships superficial, and the number of followers has sometimes become more important than the number of people we can rely on in times of need. The problem lies not in the technology itself, but in how we use it. Human beings, by nature, need genuine relationships in which they feel heard and valued. They need a friend who can sit with them without either party being distracted by their phone. They need visits without a specific occasion, calls without a particular agenda, and sincere questions whose answers are not merely “Praise be to God.” One of the most beautiful things we can reintroduce into our social lives is the culture of asking about others. Ask about a friend who has been absent, reach out to a relative whose news has been cut off, visit an elderly person who needs companionship, and embrace your children with words before you seek to provide them with material things. Many people do not need great solutions from us; they simply need to feel that they are not alone.
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On the other hand, we must be mindful of the dangers of the comparisons fostered by social media platforms. What we see of others’ lives is not necessarily their complete reality; we see the beautiful moments, but not the anxiety that preceded them, nor the circumstances that followed. Therefore, comparing our real lives with the curated images of others can make individuals feel less successful or happy, even though the truth may be entirely different. A strong society is measured not only by the size of its economy or the speed of its development, but by the degree of cohesion among its members, their mutual support, respect for the elderly, care for the vulnerable, assistance to those in need, and the preservation of goodwill among people.
Today, amidst this rapid acceleration, we may need to relearn the value of simple things: a family gathering without phones, a surprise visit to a friend, words of appreciation for an employee, gratitude to those who have done us good, and apologies to those we have wronged. In the end, the most beautiful relationships are not those that are most visible to others, but those that remain sincere when no one is watching.
Perhaps we need to connect less through screens and more through hearts; because no matter how much communication technologies around us evolve, humans will always need another human being who truly feels them.
