ACCESS to high-speed internet and smartphones has made humans more connected to each other than ever before. The technology has enabled people to talk to their distant relatives, shop online, and move around with ease through mapping platforms like Google Maps.

Besides, news channels keep us updated with the latest news from around the world. In short, a single tap of a finger opens up a world of possibilities before us. But the question is: are humans happier than they were, say, a few decades ago?

What I have observed is that despite this remarkable connectivity, more and more people experience depression, loneliness and isolation these days.

The meaningful conversations, memorable moments with friends and heartfelt letters seem like relics of a bygone era.

All this comes with a rapid decline in family values, as people spend more time online talking to strangers than with their loved ones in person. Many families struggle with bonding as the younger generation teeters on the brink of aloofness.

While internet addiction plays a key role in widening the gap between the young and old generations, it is unfair to blame the young alone for the deteriorating family life.

The adults in the family today have more to worry about than the generations before them. A crippled economy, limited access to social benefits, and soaring prices have made life incredibly difficult for breadwinners.

The stress keeps them disconnected from their family members and their problems. For example, a father who struggles to pay a hefty school fee may feel annoyed by his son’s bad grades due to bullying at school. In this scenario, both of them are unable to provide emotional support to each other and their relationship suffers as a result.

A strong support system is essential for our mental and emotional wellbeing. Healthy relationships with family members instil confidence and make children more capable of dealing with problems.

It is important for both young and old generations to bridge the gap and provide each other with the necessary emotional support.

The distractions offered by the digital world and financial problems make it difficult to focus on anything else. But we must try to spend maximum time with our family members to create memories for the time to come.

Danish Ahmed
Karachi

Published in Dawn, January 11th, 2022