We’re all connected, but are we really connecting?

June 8, 2025

The other day, I had what I thought was the perfect moment. 

I was in the elevator with my hot neighbor. Yes, that neighbor. Tall, sporty, arms like he’s been lifting more than just protein powder. We were both fresh out of the gym, and I actually looked semi-presentable.

So of course, I decided to shoot my shot. You know, light banter, something casual. And... nothing. No reaction. Blank face. I started spiraling :  was I invisible? Did I say something weird? Turns out, he was just deep in whatever podcast or playlist he was vibing with, AirPods firmly in place. An epic morning fail, to blame on technology.

It’s a small moment, but it stuck with me.

I’m part of what you could call the “in-between” generation. I grew up without a smartphone. My early years were filled with face-to-face conversations, handwritten notes, and landline calls. That makes me old to some, but I wear that timeline with a kind of pride. Because I remember what it’s like to truly connect without a screen in between.

Not long ago, my friend Hala came to visit me in Dubai. As we caught up, I told some friends how we met: on a train from Geneva to Paris. She kept eyeing the Haribo gummy bears in my lap. I noticed, smiled, offered her some. That tiny moment of eye contact and sugar-sharing sparked a conversation that turned into a lasting friendship.

Now, when I ride a train, I look around and see walls. Not physical ones, but digital ones : phones in every hand, headphones covering every ear. It’s as if we’re all doing our best to isolate ourselves from the unknown humans sitting just inches away. The same thing happens in airports, coffee shops, and elevators. 

We are all hyper-connected through our devices but growing increasingly disconnected from the world around us.

I’m guilty too.

I love my phone. I love music, memes, podcasts, and texting “on my way” when I’m still wrapped in my towel. But I’ve realized: by always reaching for my phone, I might be missing life’s little bits of magic.

Now in Bali, reconnecting with myself (and yes, I can’t believe I’m saying that), I’ve found a yoga and wellness spot overlooking the ocean, no phones allowed. And honestly? It’s a breath of fresh air.

It made me wonder : when was the last time you struck up a conversation at the airport? Not because you had to, but because you were curious. 

Technology has given us access to people across the world. But sometimes I wonder what it’s taken from the people sitting right next to us. This isn’t about ditching your phone or romanticizing the past. It’s about presence. It’s about remembering that the most meaningful connections are often unplanned, unfiltered, and surprisingly human… and still possible, if we’re willing to look up.

Because we’re not just missing connection, we’re missing life. And sometimes, all it takes to get it back is noticing the person next to you… and maybe offering them a gummy bear.

With love, from Sophie