Here in Canada there is a magazine called "MacLeans." It is something like Time, covering news stories in depth, and looking at various social phenomena.
Last week their cover story was on the disintegration of community. According to research, there are three levels of human interaction. The first, friends and family, is doing fine. So is the third, casual contact, especially given the power of the internet to bring disparate groups of people together into cohesive communities.
It is the second, neighbours, which is in serious decline. Many people have no idea who their neighbours are, and worse, have no interest. The same research shows that people who have strong community ties live on average 15 years longer, with a better quality of life.
We have, it seems, come to the conclusion that the second ring can be replaced with an active third ring. But this is simply not true. We need to physically feel part of a community. We need the contact, even if it sometimes leads to friction. The trouble with online is that it groups people together with the same world view. It might be on a very limited subject, but the end result is the same. We do not have to find a way to get along. We simply leave the group.
Don't get me wrong: I love groups like this. They are positive and life-affirming. I was stuck in a weight loss rut until I joined DietBet, and I am extremely grateful for having found it.
But it is important to not forget our neighbours. Say hi when you cross paths. Ask if they want to go for a walk with you. Ask how things are going. I am extremely fortunate to live in a neighbourhood where almost all of my neighbours are amazing people. I know I am part of a strong community. But even then, I try to make sure to talk to people I don't know very well. Not all the time, but even once in a while makes a difference. Every time somebody appears grateful for what is in reality a very small gesture, I am reminded of just how imprtant it is.