One day, while spending over an hour at the bank with my mom as she handled a money transfer, I suggested activating her internet banking. I enthusiastically explained how online banking could save her time, allowing her to manage transactions and shop without leaving the house. To me, it seemed like a perfect solution to simplify her life.

My mom, however, had a different perspective. She looked at me with a thoughtful expression and asked, “If I do that, I won’t have to step out of the house?”

“Exactly!” I replied, eager to highlight the convenience of online banking and shopping, from groceries delivered to her door to the ease of managing her finances from her phone.

Her response caught me off guard and made me pause. She said, “Since I came to the bank today, I’ve met four of my friends and had a chance to chat with the staff who know me well. You know I’m alone… This is the company I need. I enjoy getting ready and coming to the bank. I have time, and it’s the human interaction that I yearn for.”

She continued, “Two years ago, when I was sick, the store owner from whom I buy fruits came to see me and sat by my bedside with tears in her eyes. Just recently, when your dad fell during his morning walk, our local grocer saw him and rushed him home because he knows where we live.”

“Would I have that ‘human’ touch if everything became online?” she asked. “Why would I want everything delivered to me, forcing me to interact with just my smartphone? I like knowing the person I’m dealing with, not just the ‘seller.’ It creates connections and relationships. Does online shopping deliver all this as well?”

In that moment, I understood the profound truth of what she was saying. While technology provides undeniable convenience, it cannot replace the warmth and richness of human interaction. The small, everyday encounters, the familiar faces, the voices of people who care—these are the moments that build meaningful connections and relationships.

Technology is a tool, not a substitute for the human experience. As we navigate the digital age, it’s crucial to remember that the real treasures of life are found in the connections we build and the memories we create with others. So, while embracing technological advancements, don’t forget to cherish and prioritize the human interactions that bring warmth and depth to our lives.