Connection and Disconnection in Modern Life

Human beings are wired for connection. From our earliest days, survival has depended on belonging to families, tribes, and communities. Shared relationships and mutual dependence give us meaning, identity, and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. Yet, many people today – and especially the young - describe a growing sense of isolation, even while living in the most interconnected era in human history.

The stakes are high. Disconnection has been linked to loneliness, anxiety, depression, and even premature death. On a broader scale, societies weakened by disconnection may struggle with trust, empathy, and collaboration.

The real question is not whether progress is “good” or “bad,” but whether we are thoughtfully balancing its benefits and costs.

· Who is in control — us, or the devices in our hands?
· How can we be more fully present in a world full of diversions and distractions?
· What do we gain, and what do we lose, in trading lived experiences for digital ones?
· How do modern patterns of work, mobility, and urban living impact our sense of belonging to community?
· Where do you feel most connected—to people, to purpose, to place?
· Where do you notice disconnection in your own life?
· And perhaps most importantly, what would it take to rebuild the bonds of connection that sustain us all?

CUSTOMS:
You must register and be on the “Attendees - Going” list to attend.
Minimum spend of $10 at the cafe on food and/or drink. This enables us to have free use of their private room.

We meet UPSTAIRS at the Little Turkish Cafe.

Please arrive early to order food and/or drink before you join us. Several people arrive early and eat downstairs before the Meetup. You are welcome to join us.

Bring $1 to cover Meetup costs.
RSVP POLICY:

RSVPs and cancellations will be accepted up until 6 hours before the start of the meetup so that people who feel unwell on the day have time to change their RSVP and allow someone else to attend.

Being registered to attend and not attending OR cancelling your attendance after 12:30pm on Tuesday will be considered a 'No Show'.

Members with two 'No Shows' will be banned from attending further D&M Meetups. This RSVP policy has become necessary due to the high number of last minute withdrawals and non-attendance. This unfairly causes people on the Waiting List to miss out.

Thanks for your cooperation.