‘Catch-up culture ’reflects the modern cycle of constantly updating friends about our lives, often at the expense of truly being present and growing together. Ghostlighting, the Alarming New Dating Trend Worse Than Ghosting! Signs To Watch Out For If a ‘Ghostlighter’ Tries To Undermine You.

As adults, our busy lives often make spontaneity and togetherness more challenging. Enter the idea of “catch-up culture,” a term describing this pattern of constant, scheduled check-ins. Michelle Elman, author of Bad Friend, highlights how the dissolution of neighborhood groups, the rise of social media, and the demands of modern life all contribute to this phenomenon. She points out that technology often creates the illusion of being connected, even when genuine closeness can be hard to maintain.

Instead of deep conversations, many now see these interactions as just “maintenance checks"—quick updates to see if we’re still friends—rather than nurturing meaningful relationships through shared experiences. These might include sending short voice notes, sharing articles or memes, or catching up via social media, all attempts to stay connected, but often leaving us longing for a deeper sense of intimacy.

The Algorithm of Nature and the Human Mindset

Research suggests it takes roughly 90 hours of quality time—sharing experiences like watching movies, playing games, or attending events—to truly build and maintain friendships. These moments foster empathy and trigger our happiness hormones—dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins—strengthening our social bonds. Without these shared positive experiences, feelings of loneliness can grow.

Catch-up culture can also subtly reinforce societal expectations around romantic partnership and success—living with a partner or alone as markers of achievement—often distancing us from the community of friends. Meanwhile, the pressure to constantly provide life updates can be stressful, especially when we’re at different life stages from our peers.

Trying to break free from this cycle by scheduling activities far in advance can also feel overwhelming, turning reconnecting into more of a chore. While it’s wonderful to see loved ones, these relationships can sometimes feel confined to the few moments we allocate—a visit to a club or a night out—rather than spontaneous, heartfelt connection.

Challenging this culture involves redefining what “productive” adulthood looks like. It means valuing unstructured, relaxed time with friends as equally important as work and personal growth, and resisting the urge for instant gratification—like sharing quick photos or stories designed for social media. Sometimes, it’s in the slow, simple moments—listening, truly being present—that deeper human connection can flourish. Floodlighting Meaning: What Is 'Floodlighting' in Dating? This New Relationship Trend Can Turn Your First Date Into an Emotional Rollercoaster.

Perhaps life is coming full circle, reminding us that genuine connection often flourishes naturally when we embrace moments of genuine meet and greet, free from the constraints of schedules and digital distractions. These organic interactions can lead us back to a more compassionate, supportive way of relating—one rooted in authentic presence and shared humanity.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 28, 2025 01:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).