The Village Mentality: Why Modern Connection Needs to Change (and How to Rebuild It)
In generations past, life was centered around the idea of a village—a close-knit community that provided support, connection, and a sense of belonging. Whether it was raising children, navigating relationships, or simply managing the challenges of life, people relied on one another. The village wasn’t just a physical place; it was a shared way of living that deeply connected individuals.
Fast forward to today, and much of that communal structure has disintegrated. We now live in a world of fragmented connections, where individualism is often prioritized over communal support, and technology promises connection but leaves us feeling more isolated than ever. We’ve replaced face-to-face interactions with social media and dating apps, which offer the illusion of connection but lack depth.
In this article, we’ll explore what’s wrong with the way we connect today and how the loss of our village mentality is impacting our wellbeing, relationships, parenthood, and dating. Most importantly, we’ll explore how deliberately choosing to rebuild our village can transform our lives and lead to extraordinary benefits for ourselves and those around us.
What’s Wrong with the Way We Connect Today?
At first glance, it seems like we’re more connected than ever. With just a tap on our smartphones, we can interact with hundreds, if not thousands, of people. However, this hyper-connectivity often comes at a cost. The nature of these connections has become more transactional and less meaningful, leaving us feeling emotionally isolated and disconnected. But why has this happened?
Fragmented, Surface-Level Connections
Social media, dating apps, and even workplace interactions have shifted toward quick, shallow engagements rather than deep, meaningful relationships. We spend hours scrolling through posts, liking photos, and messaging people, but much of this engagement lacks substance. Instead of nurturing real friendships or relationships, we are often left comparing ourselves to others, which fuels anxiety, procrastination, and self-judgment.
In relationships, technology has also replaced much of the human touch. Rather than seeking advice or support from a trusted circle, people turn to online forums or seek validation through likes and comments. The end result? A growing sense of loneliness despite being constantly “connected.”
The Isolat