There was a time when staying in touch with friends and family meant visiting them in person. These visits were often planned well in advance, especially if the distance was considerable. The experience was rich with meaningful conversations, warm gestures, and complete presence. Time spent together was cherished, and bonds were naturally nurtured. Children found lifelong friendships, and families grew closer through shared experiences.

Then came the age of letters—postcards and inland letters that carried more than just news. They held emotions, stories, and thoughtful reflections. Receiving a letter was a moment of joy, and writing one required patience and intention. It was a beautiful way of staying connected even across distances.

With the arrival of landline telephones, communication became quicker, but it remained purposeful. People still made time to visit each other, and technology supported relationships—it didn’t replace them.

Today, with mobile phones and internet connectivity available in every corner of the country, the way we communicate has changed dramatically. What was once a tool for meaningful interaction has, in many ways, become a source of constant noise and distraction. We now reach for our phones to message or call someone just a few steps away—be it a neighbour, a friend down the street, or even a family member in the next room.

Somewhere along the way, the thoughtfulness that once defined our communication has taken a backseat. Calls and messages have become instant, and so have expectations. If someone doesn’t respond immediately, they are often seen as indifferent or unresponsive. We’ve come to expect instant availability, forgetting that the other person may be engaged elsewhere—mentally, physically, or emotionally.

The deeper concern is not about mobile phones themselves, but how they have gradually become extensions of us. In many ways, they now hold more of our emotions than our relationships do. The personal warmth of a visit, the sincerity of a handwritten note, the joy of spontaneous play among children—all these are slowly fading.

It’s becoming increasingly rare to find strong family friendships or deep childhood bonds built outside of digital interactions. But perhaps, all is not lost. With awareness and small shifts in how we use technology, we can bring back some of that human warmth. A thoughtful pause before picking up the phone, a planned visit, or simply being present with someone without screens—these little acts can go a long way in restoring the closeness we once valued so deeply.

Place of Discussion: Chennai

Date: April 8th 2025

People: Nandhini and Bharath