The question of whether today’s generation is losing its sense of community has lingered in conversations across dinner tables, churches, and barbershops.
It often comes from an older generation reflecting on the strong community bonds it experienced growing up. In those days, neighbors looked out for each other’s children, conflict was resolved with maturity and there was a deep sense of belonging – at least, that is what the OGs tell me.
Today, many complain about the shift toward individualism, technology-driven interactions and a seeming decline in communal responsibility. But is this a fair assessment?
Baby boomers, many of whom are now in their 70s, were raised in a world where community wasn’t just a concept but a lifeline. It was an era where people had no choice but to rely on one another. Whether it was borrowing sugar from a neighbor or the entire block raising funds for a struggling family, a sense of collective responsibility was ingrained. This was a time when parents disciplined each other’s children, and elders passed down wisdom over porches and Sunday dinners.
However, society has changed drastically since then.
Economic demands have forced many households to become dual-income, reducing the amount of time families spend in their neighborhoods. Urban development has also played a role; more people live in transient apartment communities rather than long-established neighborhoods where deep relationships can form. Additionally, safety concerns mean children are less likely to roam freely as they once did, limiting organic interactions with neighbors.
The impact of technology
One of the biggest shifts in how we build and maintain community has come from technology. While social media connects us in unprecedented ways, it has also created a paradox—people can feel lonelier than ever despite being constantly “connected.” Conversations that once happened face-to-face are now replaced with texts, tweets, and emojis. The art of stopping to chat with a neighbor has been overshadowed by the convenience of scrolling through updates on a screen.
It would be unfair to claim that technology has solely eroded community spirit. Many grassroots movements and mutual aid networks have been born out of digital spaces, proving that technology can also be a tool for strengthening community bonds. However, the key difference is intentionality. Previous generations formed a community out of necessity; today, the community must be actively cultivated.
One of the starkest differences between generations is the shift toward individualism. The boomer generation often speaks of a time when success was measured collectively—if one family thrived, the whole neighborhood felt uplifted. Today’s culture, however, leans heavily on self-sufficiency, often at the expense of communal well-being. Younger generations are encouraged to focus on personal success, wealth accumulation and independence, sometimes at the cost of deep, meaningful relationships.
At the same time, suggesting that younger generations do not value community at all would be misleading. They are redefining what community looks like, often in ways that older generations may not recognize. For example, younger people rally around social justice causes, form online support groups, and engage in digital activism—new forms of collective action that did not exist in previous decades. The challenge is bridging the gap between these modern forms of connection and the traditional values of face-to-face engagement.
The Consequences of a Disconnected Society
Studies have shown that social isolation can have severe health consequences, leading to increased risks of depression, anxiety, hypertension and even cognitive decline. The simple act of engaging with one’s community—whether through shared meals, faith-based gatherings, or civic engagement—can improve overall well-being.
The erosion of the community also impacts society on a larger scale. The decline of strong neighborhood ties has contributed to increased distrust among people, decreased civic engagement, and weakened social safety nets. Unsurprisingly, political divisions feel more pronounced when people no longer see each other as neighbors but as faceless opinions on a screen.
Rebuilding a community requires conscious effort. It starts with small, intentional actions—greeting neighbors, supporting local businesses, attending community meetings, and prioritizing in-person connections. Faith institutions, cultural organizations, and even workplace environments can serve as modern-day community hubs if people are willing to engage.
