The Lonely Children of a Changing and Developing World

We Forgot the Children Playing in the Streets and Parks

The world has begun to change and develop so rapidly that we have started to struggle to keep up with technological advancements and innovations. We have moved from a communal way of life to modern societal lives. While this transition is extremely important in terms of keeping pace with the changing and developing world, on the other hand, it also has an undeniable power in terms of individual loneliness and alienation from society. Medicine has advanced greatly, and we no longer sacrifice humanity to incurable diseases of unknown origin. Transportation has improved; distances that once took days or hours are now at the blink of an eye. Journeys have become much more comfortable. Educational opportunities have developed and spread. Access to information has become easier. Science has progressed rapidly; many things we once watched in fantastic American movies are now part of our lives. Communication has greatly improved; we have moved from letters to video calls with loved ones far away. Crop yields have increased, and harvesting has become easier. The world has shrunk, borders have faded. New industries and professions have emerged. All kinds of goods have become abundant in the market, and their transportation and accessibility have become easier. Previously, we were aware of our immediate surroundings, but now we are aware of the entire world. This list goes on and on… However, alongside all these beauties and conveniences, some negative developments for humanity have also emerged with this process. In fact, this situation arose partly from errors in application.

In the Last Few Years, Even Children Don't Knock on Doors During Holidays

First and foremost, while erecting massive concrete blocks and carrying out urban development, we forgot the children who used to play with their friends in the streets and parks in their free time. Due to profit calculations in development areas, we have built houses crammed together, adjacent to busy streets with heavy traffic, and coupled with the lack of interest and time from busy working families, we have created a generation forgotten, handed over to nannies, and confined to study centers and nurseries. In the past, there were evening visits to friends and neighbors. Now, there are lonely lives spent in front of the television. During holidays, friends and relatives used to be called, and those nearby were visited. Now, during holidays, everyone receives a mass message or a message on Facebook walls, and people head off on vacation to coastal areas. In the past, holidays were the most important indicator of unity and togetherness for this nation. The elderly, the sick, and the destitute were visited. Children who came to the door were offered treats and gifts. Elders were given the place of honor. Now, elders are in nursing homes, families are struggling with the burden of livelihood, and during their free time, i.e., on holidays, they are on vacation. Young and old alike are in front of their computers. Friends made on virtual friendship sites, virtual games played, virtual marriage sites, even virtual fields and gardens, virtual cows and sheep… Nothing remains real in life. Even shopping is done online. In the past, shopping was done from local shopkeepers, and people would go out and socialize, checking on each other. The situation in my apartment complex, where neighbors asked if I saw someone after four years, is the best example, I think. A new generation that constantly spends time on social media, has forgotten how to communicate with others due to living alone, and is unable to string two sentences together when asked for a two-minute chat. I don't know where this world is heading. As this loneliness engulfs societies, respect, love, tolerance, and compassion will gradually begin to disappear. Wasn't it always said that there would be robots in the future? Yes, there will be robots, but these robots will not be machines; they will be humans stripped of their emotions.