(and fanatically sharing with everyone I know)
A core input and curiosity in our Strategic Foresight work revolves around studying and capturing shifts in societal sentiment. By mapping and tracking these shifts we can more deeply empathize with others who thrive and struggle in ways that are unique from our own lived experiences. And, in this work a core movement and opportunity that is regularly revisited centers around human connection, specifically how humanity’s need for meaningful connection drives the decisions we make, the solutions we seek, the platforms we engage with (or lurk within), and the efficiencies we enable to spend our leisure time where and with whom matter most.
I have yet to find a more holistic overview of the power and importance of human connection in modern life. Vivek Murthy, author and nineteenth Surgeon General of the US, reaches broad in his coverage of the importance of connection in work, neighborhoods, marriage, parenting, and community service. But, he also – very powerfully – shares the intimate stories of individuals who found healing, acceptance, and redemption in community.
In our qualitative research at UPLAND we have also found that loneliness persists as a key driver of many consumer decisions. Our own work combined with Murthy’s robust coverage of various research studies on the health and mental impacts of loneliness showcase why better ways of building community will remain a critical future opportunity for all organizations to solve in the manner most authentically aligned to their visions and missions.