What even is “connection” these days?

In this episode of Me, Myself & AI, we dive deep into one of the biggest questions of our time: What does human connection look like in 2025, and what’s actually keeping us close? From Baby Boomers who grew up calling landlines, to Gen Z who speak fluent emoji, we explore how every generation defines “staying in touch.” Are we losing intimacy through our screens, or just finding new ways to express it? We’ll look at what the research really says, about texting vs. talking, friendships that start online, and how people today are bridging the digital divide. You’ll learn how voice and video still matter, why younger generations crave authenticity over clout, and why loneliness is rising even as we’re more “connected” than ever. Hosted by Casey B, with research and commentary powered by AI. 🎧 Listen in for a thoughtful, research-backed conversation that’ll make you rethink how you reach out, and what connection really means in the age of constant communication. ⸻ 🧠 Sources & References: 1. Environics Research (2023) – Social Media in Canada: Generational Differences & Social Values https://environicsresearch.com/social-media-in-canada-generational-differences-social-values/ 2. Statistics Canada (2023) – Canadian seniors more connected than ever (Canadian Internet Use Survey) https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-627-m/11-627-m2023013-eng.htm 3. Concordia Journal of Communication Research (2019) – Bridging the Gap: How the Generations Communicate https://www.concordia.edu/academics/communication/journal.html 4. EasyStyle with Sami (2025) – Communicating with Different Generations: Baby Boomers to Gen Z https://easystylewithsami.com/communicating-with-different-generations-baby-boomers-to-gen-z/ 5. Snap Inc. Global Friendship Report (2019) – Friendship and Communication Across Generations https://newsroom.snap.com/en-GB/news/2019/global-friendship-report 6. YouGov (2019) – Millennials: The Loneliest Generation https://today.yougov.com/topics/lifestyle/articles-reports/2019/07/30/millennials-loneliest-generation 7. Western News (2021) – New Loneliness Numbers “Not a Fluke”: Western Expert https://news.westernu.ca/2021/11/loneliness-statscan-numbers/ 8. University of Texas at Austin (2020) – Phone Calls Create Stronger Bonds Than Text-Based Communications https://news.utexas.edu/2020/09/22/phone-calls-create-stronger-bonds-than-text-based-communications/ 9. Frontiers in Developmental Psychology (2024) – Friends, Followers, Peers, and Posts: Adolescent Friendship Closeness and Social Media https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fdevp.2024.1278909/full 10. Adolescent Research Review (University of California Irvine, 2017) – Teens’ Online Friendships Just as Meaningful as Face-to-Face Ones https://news.uci.edu/2017/06/20/teens-online-friendships-just-as-meaningful-as-face-to-face-ones/ 11. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2019) – Friends or Frenemies? The Role of Social Technology in the Lives of Older People https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/23/4969