We are surrounded by a culture of instant gratification. We seek quick thrills and small wins, losing sight of the bigger picture. Our attention spans have dwindled, and we find it challenging to engage in deep, meaningful conversations. Have we forgotten the significance of culture, etiquette, and the beauty of genuine human connections?

Our restless souls are appeased by the approval of strangers online. Immediate rewards are alluring – whether it’s the quick fix of likes on social media or the fleeting satisfaction of indulging in instant pleasure. But we fail to ponder upon the genuineness of such approvals.

Our attention spans have shrunk to mere seconds. We find ourselves perpetually distracted by the constant influx of information, bombarded by notifications and messages. It is a struggle to concentrate on a book or hold a meaningful conversation without checking our phones every few minutes. We have become prisoners of the very devices designed to serve us.

We settle for shallow exchanges and emojis to express ourselves. Conversation used to be an art form, a way to connect with others on a profound level. But now we do not care about the beauty of a well-crafted sentence, the power of a thoughtful pause, and the significance of active listening.

We go to cafes to scroll through our phones. Forget conversations, I have seen couples and friends sitting across tables in cafes and not uttering a single word for minutes altogether. They could have done the same thing sitting on a bean bag in their homes. And this has become the new normal – it’s not surprising at all.

The traditions and customs that define our identities are gradually fading out. Politeness and respect, once cherished values, are sometimes dismissed as old-fashioned. Gentleness is sometimes taken as a sign of weakness or helplessness.

This is an era of comparison and competition. We have lost sight of what truly matters or what true success could be all about. Everyone wants to be a performer, eager to prove they’re better than the rest, even in areas where competition is unnecessary. Nobody wants to be the audience – they don’t have the time or attention to do so. Rivalry lurks everywhere, laughing at the torn culture of cooperation and support.

Navigating through this noisy and self-absorbed world is difficult. And this difficulty, shallowness and hollowness is all set to rise in the coming times if we do not take a moment to pause and reflect. How about rediscovering the beauty of genuine communication, cultural appreciation, and the joy of being both a performer and an audience, to create a world that celebrates humility, compassion, and authentic connections? How about making a conscious effort to rediscover what truly matters – the essence of being human.

Can you see the depth that we are missing in almost every thing today?