Evolution of socialising: Navigating changes in a fast-changing world

By Mekhla Dhar

Over time, the meaning of the word “socialising” has undergone significant changes. Now, don’t assume I’m too old school and resistant to adapting to these changes, but the truth is, maybe I am. Perhaps, it’s accurate to mention that I find face-to-face conversations much easier than crafting and scrutinising a text message, re-reading it a dozen times before sending, or worse, deleting it and starting anew.

However, one thing is clear – ‘beggars can’t be choosers.’ The Corona period has brought forth my worst fears. Interacting via a camera, hearing another person’s voice from a speaker all the time, and trying to gauge their mood by reading text messages – yes, things have indeed changed. Introverts have adapted phenomenally well to this new normal, while people like me, who crave real interaction over virtual exchanges, find it challenging.

Who would have thought ten years ago that birthdays would be celebrated online, laughter and kisses would be conveyed via emojis as well as GIFs replacing our facial expressions? The more technologically advanced we become, the more we seem to slip away from reality, accepting the virtual world as our future. Certainly, not me!

It’s fair to say that I am personally not a fan of such developmental advancements. The world may have adapted easily, but in my opinion, humans are evolving from ‘Social Animals’ to ‘Social Media Animals’. The Corona period has only accelerated this shift. Some individuals have become so comfortable with chatting online that they struggle to communicate with a real person without a screen and keypad.

While the whole world marvels at the technology that prevented us from coming to a complete standstill, would it be pessimistic to look at the empty half of the glass too? Would it be wrong to say that in all that’s happened so far, we haven’t just gained but also lost that genuine connection with each other that we once had? Think about it because no matter how much we evolve and adapt, the moment we forget the line between reality and virtual reality, we forget the sole purpose of humanity.

Socialising on social media is fine, but in the race to get the most likes and followers, don’t forget those friends who genuinely care, with whom you’ve spent time, irrespective of the number of likes on their posts.

It’s a fast-changing world! Don’t let the thread of humanity slip from your hands. Don’t let technology unknowingly take away something as precious as relationships in return for a few extra services. Changes are good, there’s no denying the fact, but changes at the cost of losing the foundation on which our society thrives are nothing but trouble in disguise.