New togetherness: New longing for real encounters
In a world that is characterized by digitization, individualization and acceleration, the longing for real ones grows Community and deep social connections. While the past decades have been strongly determined by self -fulfillment and mobility, a new phenomenon is now emerging: New togetherness. People are increasingly looking for rooms and opportunities to maintain and deepen real, interpersonal relationships.
The trend of self -fulfillment and mobility
The past decades have been strongly shaped by individualism. The company encouraged self -fulfillment, professional success and a life that was characterized by constant mobility. Technological progress made it possible to work at every place in the world, social media networked us globally and the striving for personal freedom was in the foreground. But while this development opened many opportunities, it also led to an increasing estrangement and the loss of profound social connections. The longing for stability, belonging and real encounters grows in response to this development – New togetherness becomes more and more relevant.
The dark side of digital networking
Social media undoubtedly brought us closer together – at least superficially. But while we can be reached around the clock, many experience growing inner emptiness. Studies show that loneliness increases despite technological networking. Young people in particular who grew up with digital platforms often report a feeling of estrangement. The Harvard study on the development of adults shows that people with strong social ties tend to be happier, healthier and durable. Missing social connections, on the other hand, can have a negative impact on well -being and Health. New togetherness Starts here and calls for a return to real, analog encounters.
New togetherness: The longing for real encounters
In response to this development, initiatives are increasingly being created that deliberately concentrate on the analogue. Cooking together, local neighborhood networks, community events and alternative residential projects experience a boom. People feel that real coexistence cannot be replaced by virtual chats. Instead, interest in local communities, meeting rooms and joint activities-be it through urban gardening, co-housing or spiritual circles. Also one Investigation of the Allensbach Institute from 2022 showed that 85 % of the friendships surveyed consider one of the most important aspects in their lives. Friendships offer emotional support, reduce stress and promote general well -being. These are core elements of New togetherness.
The rediscovery of traditional community forms
Interestingly, the return to community also leads to a revival of traditional rituals and social structures. While many of these formats have been overtaken in the past decades, they are experiencing a renaissance today. Singing together, dance, Meditation or simply the regular gathering in the circle of friends or in village communities is becoming more important again. The desire for fixed reference points, be it regulars’ tables, clubs or spiritual groups, also increases. According to a Study at the University of Cambridge the surrounding of beloved people contributes significantly to heart health by reducing stress and promoting happiness hormones. Missing social contacts, on the other hand, are related to an increased risk of heart diseases, strokes and type 2 diabetes. New togetherness picks up these needs and integrates them into modern social structures.
Future of social connections
This trend is also evident in the world of work. Remote work has changed the classic office culture, but at the same time the need for real encounters is growing. Companies react with increased focus on team events, community-promoting work environments and hybrid models that combine the best of both worlds. New togetherness makes it clear that successful cooperation can not only take place on digital platforms, but also based on personal connection.
New togetherness is not a nostalgia, but an answer to a changing world. It shows that as people we are and remain social beings – despite all technological developments. The question is not whether we network, but how we make these connections sensible in order to experience real closeness and belonging.