Wednesday 12 / November / 2025
Muscat: In a world where the pace of life accelerates and means of communication intertwine, feelings of isolation and loneliness are increasing among individuals. Addressing this growing social concern, the Student Affairs Center at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences – Al Mussanah, organized a panel discussion titled:
“The Lost Relationships Among Individuals: Causes of Human Detachment and Ways to Restore Communication.”
The session aimed to shed light on one of the most pressing social and psychological issues of modern times, opening a platform for thoughtful dialogue on the roots of social disconnection and proposing practical ways to rebuild human communication.
The discussion featured three main themes presented by a distinguished group of experts. The first theme, The Nature of Lost Relationships, was presented by Ms. Ruqaya Al Rashidi, Head of the Counseling and Guidance Department at the university branch. The second theme, Causes of Relationship Loss, was discussed by Dr. Khalfan Al Busaidi, Head of the Family Development Section at the Social Development Department in Barka. The third theme, The Psychological and Social Impact of Relationship Loss, was presented by Dr. Hilal Al Kharousi, Lecturer in Psychological Counseling and Guidance.
The session was skillfully moderated by Mr. Haitham bin Salim Al Zadjali, a presenter from the Youth Channel, who added an engaging and dynamic atmosphere to the discussion.
In her talk, Ms. Al Rashidi explained that a “lost relationship” refers to the invisible gap that widens between people despite physical proximity — resulting from a decline in belonging, weakened trust, and a loss of communication based on respect and genuine interaction.
Dr. Al Busaidi emphasized that the causes of this social gap are multifaceted, including digital isolation caused by technology, economic pressures, the rise of individualism, weakened social skills among younger generations, and a culture of haste that prioritizes material achievements over human connection.
Dr. Al Kharousi highlighted that social isolation directly affects mental health by increasing anxiety and depression levels and lowering self-esteem, while also eroding values of cooperation and solidarity, thereby heightening misunderstandings within families and communities.
In conclusion, the panelists and attendees agreed that restoring human relationships requires collective awareness of the importance of sincere communication and a revival of the values of respect and cooperation that form the essence of authentic Omani identity. They also stressed the need to instill positive communication skills in younger generations and enhance the role of educational and community institutions in fostering environments that value human connection and restore depth to social relationships.
