Nowadays, in most countries, people often live alone or in small family units rather than large, extended family groups. Is this a positive or negative trend?

Today, many people across the globe prefer to live independently or in small family groups

instead

of the traditional extended family networks. While

such

living arrangement is perceived by many to be greatly beneficial for them, I am of the view that

this

development in many societies is largely a negative one. In most cases, living alone or in smaller units can turn out to be more expensive than choosing to stay with other relatives in an extended household.

This

is because there are fewer members of the family to share the living expenses with.

Hence

, people who opt to live independently or in nuclear family structures tend to spend more for

such

areas as rent, food, utilities, and transportation, thereby limiting their financial resources and making it harder for them to make ends meet. Apart from

this

, those who choose

this

living arrangement

often experience

Suggestion

often experiences

often experiencing

a lack of family support.

Although

some might enjoy the freedom and

flexibility living

Accept comma addition

flexibility, living

in smaller family groups can bring, they soon realize that

this

can be an isolating and depressing experience. Being disconnected from their extended family, these individuals have no one to turn to for help or guidance, especially during the most difficult and trying times of their lives. In effect, they often feel left out and out on their own most of the time. Worst of all,

this

tendency among people negatively affects societies in a number of ways. With less interaction with other family members, especially the elders, many individuals do not only unknowingly destroy the bonds that bring close-knit families together but

also

become completely oblivious of their heritage and ancestry. These circumstances, in turn, lead to the erosion of cultural values within families and communities in many nations all over the world. In conclusion, while it has become commonplace in many societies for individuals to live alone or in small family groups, I do not think that

this

is a positive trend. The drawbacks of

such

development far outweigh the benefits it brings.