Dear Friends,
Stanford University and Statista
published an interesting article on how couples have met over the years. These
samples are from the US or Western society, but there are some lessons for
Indian society as well. In the 1930s, meeting points were as follows: Family
22%, School 22%, Friends 18%, Neighbours 11%, Church 10%, College 3%, and so
on. After 50 years (1980), Friends took the lead with 26%, while Family dropped
to 14%, Bar/Restaurant 14%, Coworkers 14%, School 10%, and Church decreased to
5%. Exactly 30 years later (2010), Friends remained at 24%, Online interactions
increased to 21%, Family decreased to 8%, College 6%, and Church 4%. As of
2024, Online connections have surged to 60%, Friends 13%, Coworkers 8%,
Bar/Restaurant 4%, Family 4%, School 3%, Church 2%, Neighbours 1%, and College
0.7%.
This trend may be intriguing to
some but concerning to many. Every social scientist should take note. In 2000,
Online was at its lowest at 4%, while the Church was second-lowest at 5%. By
2024, Online has become the top method, while the Church remains in the lower
bracket. These trends challenge traditional family systems, friendships,
schools, colleges, churches, and restaurants! The rapid growth of online
interactions is astonishing.
The National Library of Medicine
published an article (PMID: 30135799) on online intimacy and well-being in the
digital age. The research is still inconclusive. While online intimacy is
acknowledged, its impact on well-being remains underexplored.
Though this data is based on
Western contexts, similar trends might be emerging in India, especially with
the rise of online matrimonial platforms. Surprisingly, the role of family,
friends, temples, and shared philosophies is diminishing. Ideally, these
factors help build strong and often lasting connections. While not infallible,
they have stood the test of time in our cultural system.
While technology provides new
opportunities for connection, maintaining strong community and family ties
remains crucial. Social institutions, including families, religious groups, and
educational institutions, may need to adapt to support healthy relationship
formation in the digital age. This kind of education is needed now more than
ever.
How can families help? It is a
collective responsibility to nurture relationships. How can religious
institutions help? Faith provides support, offering detachment and mental
comfort when relationships become strained. The concept of Karma—the principle of
cause and effect, where a person's actions (the cause) influence their future
(the effect)—is a belief shared by all schools of Indian philosophy.
Institutions should focus on teaching these principles even more than modern
education.
It’s important to recognize that
no relationship can be perfect—this is not practical. If a relationship is
based on wealth, status, beauty, or health, it becomes more complicated as all
four are temporary and will fade over time. However, when a relationship is
built on shared philosophy, family connections, or strong principles and
values, even when strained, it is less likely to impact the individuals
negatively. Karma theory provides a foundation for resilience.
Virtual bonds may spark the
flame, but deeper roots outshine the game!
Views are personal
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