The Kindness Crisis: When Did We Stop Being Nice to Each Other?

Once upon a time, people used to be kind to each other in a world not so long ago. They would greet each other with a smile, lend a helping hand, and even go out of their way to make someone's day. But somewhere along the way, we seem to have lost our way. Likewise, we seem to have forgotten that our kindness separates us from animals.

When did we stop being kind to each other? Was it the rise of technology, social media, or our fast-paced world? Or was it the arrival of smartphones and the need to capture every moment of our lives that left us disconnected from each other? Can we even begin to answer these curious questions? I think we would be hard-pressed.

According to a recent study, 50% of Americans feel lonely, and 43% say they don't have meaningful social interactions daily. This shocking statistic shows how we have stopped being kind to each other.

The study goes on to show that technology is one of the leading causes of loneliness, with people spending an average of 11 hours a day in front of a screen. 11 HOURS - that's insane. We are wasting ourselves in front of red, green, and blue pixels. And as a result, we are chipping away at our humanity.

In fact, the rise of technology has made us less empathetic toward each other. We no longer take the time to talk to people face to face but instead, rely on texts and emojis to express our emotions. It's hard to show kindness through a text message or social media post, but a simple smile or hug can go a long way in brightening someone's day.

The consequences of not being kind to each other are far-reaching. Studies have shown that loneliness and social isolation can negatively affect physical and mental health. Lonely people are more prone to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. In fact, loneliness is just as harmful to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

The lack of kindness has also led to an increase in bullying and cyberbullying. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, 20% of students between 12–18 experience bullying, and 15% of high school students report being cyberbullied. This worrying trend shows how we have stopped being kind to each other.

Bullying can have serious consequences for both the bully and the victim. It can lead to low self-esteem, depression, and even suicide. Hence, it's consequential to teach our children the importance of kindness and empathy and to create a culture where bullying is not tolerated.

So, when did we stop being kind to each other? The answer is simple - we haven't. Kindness still exists in the world, but we need to make a conscious effort to show it. We need to put down our phones, step away from our screens, and take the time to connect with each other.

There are many ways to show kindness to others. It can be as simple as holding the door open for someone, giving someone a compliment, or volunteering your time to help those in need. Kindness doesn't cost anything, but it can make a world of difference to someone struggling. It can place a smile on a person who needs a kind gesture.

In closing, it's important to remember that kindness is not dead. We just need to make a conscious effort to show it. The consequences of not being kind are far-reaching and can negatively impact our physical and mental health. Let's commit to showing kindness to others and create a world where empathy, compassion, and understanding are the norm.