It’s 2024, and while AI is steadily taking over our emails, shopping lists, and even some of our friendships (hello, virtual assistants!), there’s an interesting counter-trend brewing: people are seeking real, physical connection more than ever. The rise of tech has certainly made life more convenient, but it’s also making us realize what we’ve lost along the way — human touch, shared laughter, and the feeling of truly belonging in a community.

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Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m no stranger to the wonders of AI. In fact, I’ve got my own AI assistant, Jonathan Paris (there’s a fun story behind the name, which I’ll share later). Jonathan helps me with all sorts of things, from organizing my schedule to keeping track of my to-do lists. And while I appreciate all that efficiency, even Jonathan Paris can’t replace the feeling of sitting down with a friend, face to face, for a good chat and a laugh.

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I’ve written about this before, and we can now scientifically prove that physical connection is essential for our well-being. It’s not just a nice idea — it’s backed by research. The presence of others, those simple moments of shared humanity, are critical for our mental and emotional health. Without them, even the most advanced AI can leave us feeling isolated.

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I'm Stina Stjarnstrom, an architect, civil engineer, and neuroscience enthusiast who’s seen firsthand how our world is evolving. As AI simplifies tasks and our screens claim more of our attention, there’s a collective craving to step away from the digital and reconnect in real, meaningful ways. People aren’t just noticing this shift—they’re actively pushing back, re-embracing the value of face-to-face interactions and building stronger communities. It’s a movement that says, “Yes, AI is great, but so is sharing a cup of coffee with a friend.”

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AI Has Its Place, But So Do We

Let’s face it: AI is pretty great at making life easier. Need groceries? Click. Want a date? Swipe. But in a world where everything seems to be going digital, humans are starting to crave something we’ve relied on for millennia - being with other humans. This might explain why, despite the rise of tech, there’s a blossoming trend to reconnect in person. People are actively looking for ways to get away from their screens and get back into the world of handshakes, hugs, and, dare I say, high-fives.

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Think about it: co-working spaces are popping up like artisanal coffee shops. Community events are bigger than ever, and there’s a growing market for experiences that bring us together in real life. People are signing up for book clubs, pottery classes, and even board game nights just to sit around a table and interact—face to face, not screen to screen. Why? Because our brains are wired for it.

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The Science of Why We Crave Real Connection

Let me sprinkle a little science on this. When we spend time physically close to others, our bodies release oxytocin — often called the 'love hormone'. It’s what makes us feel connected, safe, and happy. This is why virtual hangouts just don’t cut it. Sure, Zoom calls are convenient, but after a while, you start to miss the energy of being in the same room as someone.

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Not to mention, our reliance on AI is making us realize just how much we need these moments of real connection. As more aspects of life become automated, it’s almost as if our desire for genuine, physical interaction is growing stronger in rebellion. AI might be able to write you a decent email, but it won’t be able to give you a shoulder to cry on when that email from your boss is not what you hoped for. That’s where real people come in - thankfully.

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A Growing Trend to Reconnect

We’re already seeing this movement to regain physical connection in various forms. Take the rise of co-living spaces, for example (a topic I’ve written about before). They offer more than just a shared kitchen - they’re designed to foster a sense of community, where living isn’t just about proximity but about interaction. There’s a reason why people are flocking to these arrangements; they satisfy a deep-rooted human need for closeness, something you can’t get from an AI roommate who folds your laundry but never asks how your day was.

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On top of that, social gatherings are becoming more intentional. From dance parties (yes, even in 2024) to dinner clubs, people are carving out time in their schedules to prioritize face-to-face connection. It’s a way of pushing back against the ever-growing digital takeover, a gentle reminder that as much as we love our tech, we still need our people.

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‍Lets warp this up

Why does physical connection and community matter more than ever?

As we continue to navigate this digital age, it’s crucial to remember that real connection and community aren’t just "nice to have" - they are essential for a healthy, balanced life. The science is clear: our bodies and minds thrive when we are physically present with others. It’s in the laughter, the shared experiences, and even in those small moments of human touch that we find true connection. 

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AI may streamline our tasks, but it can’t fill that fundamental need.

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This is something I am deeply passionate about. As an architect, civil engineer, and now an advocate for the science of community, I am committed to continuing this conversation and ensuring we never lose sight of what makes us truly human. Building, fostering, and maintaining real-life connections are key to our mental, emotional, and physical well-being - and I’ll keep shining a light on that through my work.

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Let’s embrace the tools that AI offers us, but let’s also make sure to nurture the human connections that form the foundation of a happy, healthy life.

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