The rise of the internet and social media was meant to connect the world.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Since the arrival of Facebook, its mission has been to build a community and bring the world closer together.
Founder Mark Zuckerberg once said his social media platform was "to give people the power to share and make the world more open and connected".
Now people get angry when text messages are not answered instantly, or when punctuation is used in a message.
Apparently, a full stop can come across as aggressive and short, not grammatically correct as intended.
The saturation of technology has arguably also made us disconnected or fearful of the world. These days images of war, murder and disasters can be streamed into homes via mobile phone, laptop or the television within minutes.
There, at times, can feel like there is no escape.
But with the increase of the tech connection, has been the decrease of the traditional community.
Wayne Bollard recently sent a letter to the editor making a heartfelt plea for people to look after each other and for "decent people to step up to the plate and watch out for our neighbours".
Mr Bollard wrote:
"Get to know your neighbours. Drop off a meal or homemade bread. Invite them in for coffee. Idealistic? I think not.
"This was normal community living not that long ago.
"For a community to be healthy and safe, where it's safe to walk the streets or sit in the privacy of your own home then obstacles need to be removed, and isolation is one of the biggest.
"What would it take for you to make the first step?
"There is someone in your street that you don't know that could be your next best friend."
Mr Bollard, truer words have never been spoken. A kind word can change someone's day or even life. Let's not forget this basic kindness and the impact it can have on promoting a safe and connected community.