In today's world, the rapid rise of digitisation has undeniably transformed the way we live, work and connect. From instant communication to virtual entertainment, technology has made life faster and more accessible than ever before. However, beneath the surface of this convenience lies a pressing concern: the erosion of human emotion.
In the past, human interactions were driven by effort and time. Writing letters, for instance, was not merely about delivering information; it was about crafting emotions on paper. People would wait for weeks, sometimes months, to receive a reply, and the joy of opening a letter was far greater than the instant notifications of a text message today. The anticipation itself was an emotional journey. Now, with emails, messaging apps, and video calls available at the click of a button, the depth of connection has weakened. The human heart no longer feels the weight of waiting, and emotions that once defined relationships are slowly vanishing.
Similarly, meeting loved ones once required travel, patience, and commitment. Families and friends would cross miles to spend quality time together. The journey itself held meaning-sacrifices of time, money and effort made the meeting more precious. Today, however, video calls have largely replaced those visits. While they provide convenience, they strip away the raw emotions tied to presence, touch, and shared experiences. A virtual smile on a screen cannot replicate the warmth of a hug, and a digital "like" cannot replace the joy of being physically celebrated by others.
Even in celebrations, the emotional depth has shifted. Birthdays, weddings and festivals once gathered families and communities under one roof. People invested energy in being physically present, exchanging laughter, stories and heartfelt moments. In contrast, digitisation has normalised sending wishes through social media posts or pre-written messages.
It is important to recognise that digitisation is not inherently harmful; it has improved accessibility and connectivity beyond imagination. However, the emotional cost is undeniable. By prioritising speed and convenience, we risk losing patience, sincerity and the warmth that once defined human connections. Technology has made communication effortless but in the process, it has stripped away the very emotions that made human bonds unique and irreplaceable.
If the past was about effort, anticipation and depth, the present is about instant gratification. In this shift, we must ask ourselves: are we truly connecting, or are we merely communicating?
Asiq Mohammad Mokbel Hossen
Department of Accounting & Finance
North South University
Asiq@northsouth.edu
