Thoughts

I think when it comes to modern mental health issues, there are a variety of contributing factors, with phones and social media being just the cherry on top. One of the main factors affecting mental health in the United States is our car-driven infrastructure. It promotes A-to-B thinking, reduces chance encounters in 'in-between' places, and diminishes communal interaction. By consolidating common places like grocery stores to serve larger groups of people than we could possibly know, the chances of recognizing the same people repeatedly are minimal. This inhibits familiarity and connection, which are essential elements for community building and mental wellbeing.