Today, many people do not know their neighbors. Why is this? What can be done about this?

In recent years, it has become increasingly common for individuals to be less connected with their immediate

neighbours

. In my opinion,

this

is largely a result of a more insular society and can be somewhat alleviated through initiatives that encourage more community interaction. The main reason that many residents today do not often speak with their

neighbours

is that the world is more physically isolated. In past generations, people were more in the habit of going outside and occupying their time by talking with those living nearby. Today, the rise of technology allows the average person to do a variety of activities online including talking with friends, watching movies, playing computer games, and listening to music. These habits now occupy the vast majority of a person’s time and there is no longer a need to interact with one’s neighbor out of boredom or a feeling of connection.

This

modern tendency can be countered by more communal activities. Since there is no reversing technological advancement, it must be countered through proactive measures. An example of

this

would be a local government organizing a festival or musical performance in a park.

Neighbours

who meet at

such

events are likely to form connections and

thereafter

remain in contact as either casual acquaintances or actual friends. If governments are unwilling to undertake

such

initiatives,

then

local citizens can

also

organize various events. The result over time will be a gradual thawing of relations between

neighbours

. In conclusion, the way people live today leads to less interaction with one’s neighbors and

this

phenomenon can be mitigated with more community events. If nothing is done, society will only become more fractured and alienating.