Clean, infographic-style illustration on a white background. On the left, three students of diverse backgrounds, sit at a table looking down at their smartphones. On the right, an older professional engages in face-to-face conversation with a young Black man wearing a backpack. Above them, a thought bubble shows scenes of human connection, including collaboration, conversation, and emotional support. Large headline text reads, “How do we build healthy relationships when it’s no longer the culture to talk to people?” A blue footer banner reads, “Subscribe to The Clarity Lounge ☕ at drtrecabourne.com/blog.”
Posted on by Dr. Treca Bourne

We don’t really talk anymore.

How do we build healthy relationships when it is no longer part of the culture to talk to people?

Listening to NPR today, this is a question a student posed to Dr. Vivek Murthy while he was visiting a college campus. The dining hall, once lively and filled with conversation, had grown quiet as students sat on their devices. After his talk, a student asked that question.

That question goes directly against a principle I was taught growing up, especially as a Louisianan. My dad said it simply: Talk to people.

It is a profound question, not just for students, but for both work life and personal life, especially since the latter inevitably shapes the former.

Two of the many takeaways from this story, and from one he was featured in early last year:

1. There is a difference between connecting with people in person and connecting online.

2. We can’t assume people know how to build and maintain healthy relationships, as it isn’t generally taught in school and may not be taught at home.

Here’s a link to a story that ran earlier last year featuring Dr. Murthy. https://www.npr.org/2025/02/14/1231335525/here-now-anytime-02-14-2025.

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