Have We Become Hermits?

Sometimes I look back at life before Covid, and potentially even the Internet, and wonder: how did we do it all? The outings, the dinners, the spontaneous catch‑ups, the weekends that felt full but not draining. And then I look at life now—where the couch is comfortable, the phone is always within reach, and the idea of getting ready to go anywhere can feel like preparing for a triathlon—and I realise something subtle but powerful has shifted.

Covid and the Internet didn’t just change society temporarily. It rewired us.

More Home‑Bound Than Ever

Especially with Covid, during lockdown, our homes became our universe. Safe, controlled, predictable. And even after restrictions eased, many of us didn’t fully leave that mindset behind.

We’ve become more home‑bound, almost by default. Cosier, yes—but also more isolated. The thought of committing to outings or social plans sometimes feels overwhelming, even when we know we’ll enjoy ourselves once we get there.

Somewhere along the way, the effort of “showing up” started to feel… too hard.

The Rise of Digital Hermits

Screens have become our companions. Our entertainment. Our distraction. Our “numbing relief.” We tell ourselves we’re relaxing, but really, we’re doom‑scrolling through an endless feed of noise—seeking comfort but often feeling worse afterwards.

The internet used to be about information. Connection. Curiosity. Now it feels more like a chaotic blend of fake news, filters, hot takes, and AI‑generated everything. It’s no wonder our brains are tired. Sometimes I catch myself thinking:

“My brain is not braining.”

And honestly? It’s not. It can’t thrive when overstimulated 24/7.

Work From Home… or Work From Everywhere?

One of the biggest cultural shifts is the rise of working from home. It brought flexibility, comfort, and convenience—but at a cost.

We lost the natural boundaries that once protected our mental space. Work used to stay at the office. Now it follows us everywhere—on our phones, in our bedrooms, at our dinner tables. Online culture has become:

Online 24/7 = Available 24/7

It’s no surprise we’re burnt out. When do we truly “clock off” if our home is also our office? When do we actually breathe?

Without physical separation, we’ve lost mental separation. And without mental separation, rest isn’t really rest.

The Effort of Connection

I’ll admit it: I’ve fallen into the trap of staying home because the effort of getting ready feels too big.

The idea of talking to people—even people I love—can sometimes feel daunting. Staying home feels easier. But is it really? What are we losing by choosing isolation disguised as comfort?

Maybe we’ve become non‑committal. Maybe “lazy.” Or maybe we’re simply exhausted from being digitally reachable all the time. Maybe we’ve forgotten what real connection feels like because online life has taken up so much space.

What If We Started Saying ‘Yes’ Again?

Here’s a thought: If someone invites you to a gathering—what if you just… went?

Not because you have to, but because you deserve moments that happen off screens.

Because memories aren’t made while scrolling.

Because the laughs, the conversations, the shared food, the silly stories—those are the things you’ll remember years from now, not the tenth hour spent watching TikToks (although I can proudly say I am not a TikTokker!).

Showing up can change your week.

Showing up can change your relationships.

Sometimes, showing up can change you.

Breaking the Cycle

So how do we stop the burnout? How do we reclaim our presence, our time, our joy?

Maybe it starts with something small:

• Put your phone in another room for an hour.

• Walk outside without headphones (phone in a zipped up pocket).

• Leave work messages unread until tomorrow.

• Commit to one social event a month.

• Let “I’ll try” become “I’ll be there.”

Not everything has to be a big transformation. Most change begins with a tiny shift.

A Final Thought & A Bit of a Giggle

Covid and the Internet didn’t just alter society—it altered us. And now it’s up to us to decide what we keep and what we let go of.

I don’t want to live my life behind a screen, scrolling instead of feeling, existing instead of experiencing. I want to be present. To show up. To reconnect with the world and people who matter to me.

Maybe you feel the same.

Maybe it’s time we all stepped out of our digital caves and remembered what it means to live a life with moments—messy, beautiful, human moments—that we can’t replicate online.

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I am laughing my ass off as I finish this blog... doing this blog and people reading it... online/screen time? I think I may have just demonstrated a tad bit of hypocritical behaviour! But at least I am getting you thinking... move towards that connection light peoples!