The expert named the reasons for the reduction of live communication among adults

It is becoming increasingly difficult for adults to find time to meet with friends: free hours are often spent recovering from work and household chores. Against this background, leisure formats with a well-thought-out scenario and precise timing are growing in popularity. Eric Kaloyan, Director of VR arena Network Development at WARPOINT, told Izvestia on March 6.

According to the expert, meetings with friends are more often disrupted not because of lack of desire, but because of logistics. When choosing a format, people usually pay attention to three factors: the convenience of the location, the duration of the program and its cost. When these parameters are clear in advance, it becomes easier to arrange an appointment even for a large company.

"A meeting without a pre-planned scenario often turns into an attempt to both keep up the conversation and somehow disconnect and take a break from your own stress or problems, which rarely happens in a dialogue between people. As a result, it feels like being with friends is boring or hard: people have different rhythms, someone is tired, someone has just woken up, and there is no time for long gatherings," he said.

The expert also stressed that in such conditions, formats where there is common activity and clear rules work better — for example, team games, quests, sports meetings or entertainment in virtual reality. After such events, participants often continue to communicate in a more relaxed atmosphere, for example, in a cafe.

Futurologist Anton Popov also noted that digital overload and social isolation also affect the reduction of live communication. According to him, the trend towards loneliness has increased since the pandemic, and many people are increasingly putting work and personal tasks ahead of meetings with loved ones.

The expert added that modern technologies create serious competition for attention. Quick stimuli from smartphones provide an instant emotional response, whereas friendship takes time and engagement. Popov called it digital brain obesity, when a constant stream of news and entertainment oversaturates a person's attention. Against this background, in his opinion, there is a growing interest in virtual characters and digital interlocutors who give a sense of support in the moment.

The futurologist noted that the company is better united by formats with a pre-understood scenario, where participants are engaged in a common cause, rather than trying to come up with a meeting from scratch.

"In such meetings, there is a short time, a common task and a continuation in a calm format — for example, the opportunity to discuss impressions after an activity," he concluded.

On February 13, Anastasia Cardiakos, a family psychologist and psychotherapist, told why single people are afraid of never meeting love and what to do about it. She noted that one of the main reasons for the belief "I won't meet anyone" is related to self-esteem. If a person feels unworthy, they automatically underestimate their chances of happiness.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.