As I navigate the complexities of modern friendships, I find myself pondering: what does it truly mean to be a friend? In an era where connections are often reduced to likes, comments, and casual hangouts, I am left reevaluating what relationships should genuinely encompass. Do love, emotional support, and thoughtful advice still come as part of the package, or should I lower my expectations to zero?

A 2020 study by Ernst & Young reveals a staggering 12% of Gen Zers feel they can't be their authentic selves around friends, indicating a significant lack of depth in today's relationships.

In this era of carefully curated online personas and convenience-driven interactions, has the essence of true friendship been lost, or has it become so rare that it's now a luxury only a few get to experience?

The rise of social media has significantly contributed to the fading of authentic friendships, reducing them to mere illusions. When a cell phone is always within reach, forming heartfelt connections becomes almost impossible. Likes and comments are insufficient to build meaningful relationships. Consequently, these superficial connections have led to an all-time high in depression and isolation, as people keep their true feelings locked away.

Personally, I had to learn the hard way to put away my phone and genuinely engage with my friends when they tried to converse with me. At first, I thought nothing of it, but over time, their feedback made me realize that being present is more than just being "present."

I've observed the effects of transactional relationships in the lives of many college students. Not only do they develop deep-seated trust issues, but they also lack the emotional support and intelligence to navigate life's challenges. Their social skills are impaired, making them less capable in fundamental areas like communication, conflict resolution, and building professional connections.

This seemingly harmless evolution of friendship into whatever it has become today has had an unprecedented impact on nearly every aspect of our lives.

Then again, online connections aren't the problem; they can provide a sense of community and belonging. In fact, research shows that a significant percentage of teens receive emotional and mental support from these relationships.

So, what's the root of the issue? I believe it’s us—you, me, your neighbor. Our choices, our priorities, and our willingness to settle for superficial connections are the real problem. How are you investing in your relationships?

Do your friendships truly mean anything to you? When we prioritize convenience over depth, we risk losing the essence of what friendship is meant to be. So, I ask you again: how are you investing in your relationships? Do you prioritize checking in on your friends' emotional well-being, or is it just a casual encounter?

Let's take responsibility for cultivating meaningful connections. Let's move beyond superficial relationships and into the depth of true community, where love, support, and thoughtful advice are more than just occasional gestures.