“Disconnected Friendship: A Tale of Four Friends and Their Virtual World”

 

After a considerable hiatus, four friends reunited for a dinner at a hotel. Two of them had journeyed from distant places to reconnect with their oldest companion. The host greeted them warmly, providing food and drinks. They exchanged pleasantries for a while before their attention shifted to their mobile phones. They began scrolling and chatting with others online, creating a physical disconnect amongst themselves. An eerie silence enveloped them, devoid of any interaction.

They sat for an extended period, engrossed in their online world, without any communication amongst themselves. It appeared as if they were disinterested in each other’s company. After an hour, one friend decided it was time to leave, citing other commitments. Subsequently, the gathering dispersed, with each friend departing one after the other.