Today social media ‘friends’ can number in the thousands, and hundreds in the end we are losing the art of forming deep and lasting bonds.
As we scroll through our social media feeds, the concept of ‘friendship’ often appears as nothing more than a list of names and profile pictures. Yet, despite the ease of connection that technology affords, many, particularly in Gen-Z, find themselves grappling with the nuances of authentic relationships.
For Baby Boomers and Millennials, the definition of friendship might collect images of shared experiences and unending support. However, Gen-Z faces a landscape where friendships are often falsified and tested in digital spaces, leading to a sense of temporariness and superficiality.
Studies have long emphasised the importance of social bonds in our overall well-being. A sense of belonging, researchers argue, is not just a luxury but a fundamental human need. Yet, this generation seems to be at a crossroads, with traditional avenues of friendship evolving or disappearing altogether.
My journey mirrors this generational shift. Once a social individual, ever since the pandemic has reshaped my interactions, leaving me to navigate a world where social skills once taken for granted now feel foreign.
The transition from school to the workforce marks a significant shift in social dynamics. The rapport of a classroom is replaced by professional relationships, where the line between colleague and friend is often blurred.
WhatsApp groups and online communities have become the new town squares, yet they also raise questions about the authenticity of the connections they foster. A message from a classmate, pondering the silence of friends during a break, highlights the transactional nature that can underpin these digital friendships.
As we step out of the academic world and into the broader society, the challenge becomes maintaining the friendships that once seemed unbreakable. The norms that govern school life no longer apply, and the quest for genuine relationships becomes ever more complex.
What then, constitutes an ‘authentic’ friendship in today’s world? As we contemplate this question, it’s clear that both individuals and society must strive to build connections that transcend the convenience of digital interaction, fostering genuine relationships that endure beyond the screen.
This feature aims to engage readers by weaving personal narratives with broader societal trends, inviting them to reflect on their own experiences and the evolving nature of friendship in the 21st century.
It’s like they’ve put an expiry date on each friendship and relationship.
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MICHAEL AINOMUGISHA 