Since 2020, we’ve collectively experienced something none of us could have anticipated—a global pandemic that forced us into isolation, pushed us online, and made digital spaces our primary way of connecting with the outside world. From Zoom meetings to virtual parties, we adapted quickly, leaning heavily on technology to keep us connected in a world that had suddenly gone remote.

But now, over three years into this new normal, many of us are feeling the effects of a phenomenon that goes beyond simple “Zoom fatigue.” It’s not just the drained feeling after hours spent staring at screens, clicking through virtual meetings, and trying to communicate through glitchy audio and pixelated video. It’s something deeper—something that feels like a loss of connection that we can't quite put our finger on.

It’s the energy of being together, something that can't be replicated digitally, no matter how many emojis or GIFs we throw into a chat. The pandemic made us hyper-connected through technology but left us more disconnected from each other than ever before.

Human connection in today's world

The Energy of Presence: More Than Just Proximity

You’ve felt it before. The buzz in the air when you walk down a busy street, the hum of a packed restaurant, the exhilaration of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers as you cheer for your favourite team. These are things that we took for granted until they were gone, replaced with socially distanced environments or, worse, no environments at all.

But why do these experiences matter so much? It’s because, at their core, they’re more than just activities—they’re shared experiences, where the energy of other people amplifies our own. Here are some examples of where that energy is most tangible, and why reclaiming this Human connection in today's world is so important.

1. The Streets: The Pulse of Human Life

Take a walk down a crowded street, and you’ll immediately feel the energy. There’s something special about the constant ebb and flow of pedestrians, the sounds of conversations overlapping with car horns and city noise. It's an unspoken connection, a shared participation in life.

During the pandemic, the streets fell eerily silent. The bustling crowds disappeared, and the once vibrant city centres became ghost towns. Even now, as life resumes, there’s still something missing—the spontaneous interactions, the human pulse that gives cities their soul.

We may have kept in touch with friends through texts or calls, but it’s those chance encounters—the quick smiles from strangers, the bumping into acquaintances on the street—that remind us of the wider web of human connection we’re all a part of.

2. The Bar: The Lost Art of Cheers

Few places epitomise the importance of human connection like a bar or a restaurant. It’s where we go to unwind, to laugh, to talk, and—most importantly—to connect. Whether it’s a night out with friends, a first date, or a casual drink after work, the bar is more than just a place to consume alcohol. It’s a hub for human interaction.

During lockdown, bars and restaurants closed their doors, and for many, it felt like losing a part of our social identity. Even with the advent of Zoom happy hours, something was missing. It wasn’t just the alcohol (which we could still consume at home); it was the people. The clinking of glasses, the laughter across the room, the way a crowd can turn an ordinary night into something unforgettable.

Now that bars are reopening, many of us are rediscovering that missing energy—the kind you can only get from being in the same physical space as others. It’s the buzz that can’t be recreated through a screen.

3. Stadiums and Concerts: The Power of Collective Emotion

There’s something magical about being in a stadium filled with thousands of people, all cheering for the same team or singing along to the same song. Whether it’s a sports event, a concert, or even a talent show, the energy in these spaces is electric. You can feel it in your bones—everyone is there for the same reason, and the collective emotion is contagious.

During the height of the pandemic, empty stadiums became the norm. Athletes played to crowds of cardboard cutouts, musicians performed in front of cameras instead of fans, and talent shows took place in front of screens instead of audiences. While the events themselves went on, something essential was missing—the energy of the crowd, the feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself.

Now that stadiums and venues are welcoming back fans, that energy is slowly returning. But it’s a reminder of how much we lost during those months of isolation, and how much we crave the connection that only comes from being physically present with others.

4. Churches and Places of Worship: The Spiritual Power of Community

For many, church or another place of worship is more than just a religious practice—it’s a spiritual connection with both the divine and the community. Whether you’re attending a Sunday service, gathering for a holiday, or participating in a small group, there’s a unique energy that comes from being surrounded by people who share your beliefs.

During the pandemic, many religious services moved online. Sermons were streamed, prayers were said over video calls, and congregations met digitally. But for many, this didn’t replace the real experience. The energy of a live service—the singing, the collective prayers, the presence of others seeking the same spiritual connection—was irreplaceable.

As churches and other places of worship reopen, the importance of that in-person connection has become more evident than ever. It’s not just about worship; it’s about the energy of the community, the shared experience of faith that can’t be fully captured online.

5. Schools and Classrooms: The Energy of Learning Together

Perhaps one of the biggest challenges of the pandemic has been the shift to remote learning. For students of all ages, the classroom is more than just a place to receive information—it’s a space for collaboration, discussion, and social interaction. The energy of a lively classroom, where students bounce ideas off each other and engage with teachers face-to-face, is essential to the learning process.

During the pandemic, Many schools closed and for those that stayed open, students found themselves isolated behind screens, missing out on the social aspects of school that are just as important as academics. The energy of learning together, of seeing the lightbulb moments in real-time, was lost. And while technology helped bridge the gap, it couldn’t fully replace the classroom experience.

Now that schools are reopening, students and teachers alike are rediscovering the joy of being together in the same room, learning not just from textbooks, but from each other.

6. The Family Gathering: The Intangible Warmth of Loved Ones

Nothing compares to the warmth of a family gathering—the sound of laughter, the sharing of meals, and the feeling of being surrounded by people who know you best. During the pandemic, family gatherings were replaced with socially distanced visits or, in many cases, completely virtual interactions.

While we may have stayed connected through group chats and video calls, nothing can replace the feeling of being in the same room with your loved ones. The energy of a family gathering—the hugs, the shared stories, the little moments of connection—was something we all missed dearly.

Now, as families come back together, we’re reminded of just how important these connections are. It’s not just about staying in touch; it’s about feeling the energy of those we love most, something that no amount of screen time can replicate.

The Path Forward: Reclaiming the Lost Energy

As we emerge from the isolation of the pandemic, it’s clear that while technology kept us connected, it also left us yearning for something more. The energy of human presence, the unspoken connections that come from being in the same room, cannot be replaced by digital interactions.

At LIFECYCLE 7, we believe in the power of reconnecting with our analog selves—the part of us that craves real, tangible experiences with the people around us. It’s time to reclaim that lost energy, to step away from our screens, and to immerse ourselves in the physical world once again.

Whether it’s a crowded street, a packed stadium, or a simple gathering with friends and family, there’s an energy that only comes from being together. And after everything we’ve been through, it’s something worth fighting for.

So next time you find yourself feeling drained by digital life, remember: the energy you’re missing is still out there, waiting for you. All you have to do is reach out and reconnect.