This feature explores those environmental factors in Maltese society that influence real happiness in human relations both on an interpersonal and intrapersonal level and how human contact and touch can be lost.

Human touch (hugs, handshakes, high-fives, kisses, taps on the back and so on) are becoming a rare commodity in our days. Some fail to understand and are missing out on the importance of these small, but significant gestures which add to the spice of life.

Many factors are contributing to this. For instance, traditional family values are being gradually eroded and discarded as the wave of "uncensored" liberalism and individualism rides high in a post-modern, globalist and ultra-feminist society.

The nature of our building environment

Up to 50 years or so, Malta was more close-knit as a society than our present days. Malta is being transformed into another Dubai. Living in a high-rise block of apartments and without much open spaces is not conducive to intimate social interaction and there is less caring between residents. The fast pace of life has also taken away much human contact due to the "always busy" and "sorry, I don't have time" lifestyles.

Covid-19 pandemic

"Touch is crucial to our overall health, and without it, individuals have been experiencing higher levels of stress. We are looking at long-term cultural shifts in society in the post-pandemic world," declares Tanya Vasunia, a Mumbai-based psychologist and published researcher.

Physical and sexual abuse

Cases of child abuse mainly coming from Roman Catholic clergy members, family members and others have hit the headlines in both Malta and around the world and have rocked humanity to the extent that this has lessened trust in people engaging in physical touch.

Such abuse and the ensuing trauma, especially in early childhood, creates fearfulness of social touch or hugs later on in life.

Even a friendly tap on the back may be interpreted as a warning sign not to engage socially with another person.

Sexual and physical abuse, especially coming from those people who were supposed to care for the tender and innocent child's well-being, has consequences on the person - as an adult he/she will avoid human physical touch, unless significant psychological and psychiatric therapy is sought to heal past wounds.

Breakdown in traditional family values

If one were to examine Malta's Vital Statistics at the National Statistics Office (NSO), it is noted that the birth rate has fallen among the native population.

Our Maltese population is also an ageing one. Also significant is the ever-increasing number of divorces, annulments and separation cases when compared to marriages.

Also, many couples are opting for cohabitation rather a life-long commitment in marriage. Financial pressure is one of the reasons for this.

Economic pressures

The world is experiencing inflation. Global warming, and now global boiling, the war in Ukraine, fuel and logistical costs are pushing up prices. Food productivity is also suffering a blow due to the above factors.

The United States Federal Reserve and banks all over the planet push up interest rates to try and cut down on inflation and borrowing. Still, prices keep going up and investments are losing value.

Given this bleak economic and financial outlook, many are experiencing meltdown and are rightly discouraged from embarking on long-term relationships.

Many prefer to stay single rather than buy a property (to house the family nest) and take out loans that will take a lifetime to repay.

Suicidal society

Staying single, often means living an individualistic lifestyle. Staying single without a social support system can have serious metal consequences. Significant others usually help a lonely person to come to terms with difficult situations. Not being shown understanding and compassion through human touch often leads to contemplation of suicide. Over the past months the suicide rate in Malta has increased.

Manhood and femininity

The state of being a woman, and the traditional qualities and characteristics typical of women, are experiencing a dramatic shift.

Studies confirm that women are behaving more like men as testosterone production is increasing in females. This is being reflected in the development of a more masculine body shape. This enhancement has led women to competitive sports that were traditionally a male domain such as soccer and rugby.

Some scientists from the physical and social arena conclude that fewer women are marrying and having children in a Western society or else delay motherhood. Others prefer to stay single or even choose to be in a lesbian relationship.

The Digital Age

ChatGPT, the Metaverse and AI are now being developed daily. This technological advancement brings excitement to many as life can be potentially improved especially in computational capabilities. AI can perform tasks in exceptionally short times.

But it is noted that nothing beats human touch where it comes to the depth, empathy and emotional connection that human touch provides.

Humanity's challenges and issues cannot be totally eradicated through technological advancement. For instance, poverty (emotional, spiritual and physical) will continue to be among us and loneliness will not be replaced by robots or virtual "silicone dolls".

Digital technology is creating a world of make-believe in the area of social and human interaction. It is only an illusion to think that "artificiality" can replace humanity.

Dangerous practices

Humanism and do-it-yourself philosophies such as New Age and the occult are taking the world by storm as the world increasingly puts its faith in doubtful theories, science and technology and in the process forgetting the Divine.

More and more scientists are interested in ETs, UFOs, encounters of the third kind, abductions by aliens and alien technology.

Many also subscribe to evolutionary theory rather than creation and cannot prove that God does not exist.

Others who endorse the Christian faith cannot forget that the Bible, as a historical book, records the true nature of aliens.

Aliens are nothing more than fallen angels who rebelled against God and have been trying to make humans believe they are benevolent and want to help humanity, when this is a lie. The Bible states that these entities can project themselves as angels of light to deceive humans.

Some go as far as to try and contact these entities/spirts thinking they can find solace in them. These persons end opening up a portal for possession and evil spiritual activity.

Services

In the face of these economic and social pressures impinging on the individual, the family and society at large, many seek relief from the drudgery of life by opting to buy certain services.

Over the past two decades, Maltese society has witnessed the opening of numerous massage parlours. One can easily state that the number of these shops has surpassed pastizzi outlets.

It seems that many Maltese men, in particular, need a foreign masseuse for instant relief for what they yearn most - the human touch.

The women working in these shops are usually of Asian origin. One cannot not also fail to observe the rise in the number of gentleman's clubs, escort services and other services, mainly provided by women from Eastern Europe.

Living without human touch means suffering. People who experience this missing factor in life often engage in unhealthy lifestyles; overeating, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, sexual promiscuity and other harmful behaviours and tendencies and in the process exacerbating the ill effects on themselves and society.

Indeed, the extended absence of human touch is a ticking time bomb that can spark into an explosive flame of unhappiness and destructive societal behaviour.