Impatience... is perhaps the most underestimated but pervasive challenge of modern life.
Everywhere we turn, speed is sold as salvation—faster apps, instant replies, overnight shipping. Even emotions are expected to come pre-packaged: “Just get over it.”
But what happens to the soul when the world no longer waits?
According to a 2023 Global Web Index survey, 68% of internet users admitted they "often feel overwhelmed by the constant stream of content."
In parallel, the American Psychological Association (APA) reported a significant rise in communication burnout, particularly among Gen Z and Millennials—groups heavily immersed in rapid digital exchanges.
And still, we scroll. We share.
We speak.
But we do not listen.
In this accelerated space, communication has become a monologue rather than a dialogue. Social media has turned into a theatre of performances, where value is measured by visibility, not depth. We’ve developed a culture that celebrates speaking out but quietly discourages slowing down to truly hear.
“Everyone wants to be heard—but no one wants to listen.”
This isn’t just social fatigue. It’s cognitive. Studies in neuropsychology show that the brain requires 3–5 seconds longer to fully process emotional nuance when we’re multitasking—a reality that contradicts the design of most digital conversations today.
The cost?
Loneliness. Misunderstanding. Emotional erosion.
A recent Meta-Gallup global survey (2023) found that one in four people worldwide feel “always or often lonely,”even when they’re constantly connected. The irony couldn’t be louder.
But let’s zoom in.
The mother who rushes through her child’s story because she has emails to answer.
The young adult who posts beautiful quotes on mental health yet zones out during a friend’s crisis call.
The elderly parent, whose memories are now monologues left on voicemail.
Who’s suffering? We all are.
And who’s gaining?
Tech companies.
Social platforms monetizing our attention spans.
The faster we go, the more we consume—but the less we truly connect.
A CALL TO PAUSE