Tesla CEO made a sarcastic tweet about CrowdStrike’s partnership with global inclusion company < Back Work, News Musk's controversial claim: DEI hiring responsible for IT outage Tesla CEO made a sarcastic tweet about CrowdStrike’s partnership with global inclusion company MMS Staff 21 Jul 2024 1-min read While much of the world was reeling from the global IT outage over Thursday and Friday, X CEO Elon Musk did not miss a chance to use the opportunity to take yet another potshot at DEI hiring. American cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, which provides cloud workload protection and endpoint security, threat intelligence, and cyberattack response services, was responsible for one of the biggest IT outages in history on Friday, affecting 8.5 million Windows devices, when an update to one of its applications, Falcon, went live with a coding error built in. CrowdStrike has raised millions in funding from Silicon Valley, employs thousands from around the globe, and reportedly services 538 out of the Fortune 1000 companies. Plus they're also big on DEI hiring. CrowdStrike is a Gold Partner of Bright Network's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging panel. Bright Network, a media tech platform, connects graduates from various backgrounds with suitable employers. And as part of this partnership, CrowdStrike says they're committed to creating an equitable and inclusive workplace. On Friday, following news about the outage, Elon Musk replied to a 2-year-old tweet by CrowdStrike about their association with Bright Network. In it, he simply said: "Not very 'bright' right now, is it?" The replies to his tweet, too, were largely in support of his skewed stance on the matter. DEI initiatives at various US-based companies have recently seen a pushback from upper management, with Tesla reportedly dropping language referencing diversity from its annual shareholder report earlier this year. Microsoft, too, recently laid off a team that was devoted to diversity, equity & inclusion. Shortly after that, tractor company John Deere announced they would do away with nearly all their DEI policies in favour of a quality-based workplace. Other companies who have recently either completely eliminated or reduced the size of their DEI teams include Zoom, Snap, Google, and Meta. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

This Pride month, our community reflects on embracing both neurodivergence and queerness < Back Community, Neurodiversity, LGBTQIA+ The significance of Pride for neurodivergent LGBTQIA people This Pride month, our community reflects on embracing both neurodivergence and queerness MMS Staff 21 Jun 2024 3-min read Every June, Pride Month celebrates the diversity and strength of the LGBTQIA+ community. But within this collective coming together, it's important to remember that Pride could mean different things for different people. The essence of Pride is the diverse voices and lived experiences it represents and stands by, particularly for those at the intersections of multiple identities — such as neurodivergence, disability and LGBTQIA+. To fully honour the spirit of Pride, we need to embrace an intersectional approach that acknowledges and addresses the varied and complex realities of the entire community. And so we asked our community to share what Pride means to them, as neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ folx. Here’s what #MuchMuchSays : Embracing my neurodivergence and queerness. Unmasking with people who feel like home! 💖 Saving my spoons by not engaging with people who are judgy, ableist or dull my sparkle ✨ - @aditigangrade_ Learning how both these parts of me overlap and create an unique experience for me. Finding a community with more neuro-queer folx. Trying to understand ways to better support myself in allistic spaces. - @ usri.be _ing In theory, I 💯 support everything Pride stands for. I’m queer, nonbinary and autistic. Neuroqueer is also how I describe myself. I advocate for neurodivergent LGBTQ+ people in my job, and I live the values of Pride year-round. But I live in San Antonio, Texas, where Pride is celebrated outdoors in the 100 degree F summer heat. That heat is dangerous for me because of my fibromyalgia and because of the meds I take. Even when the parade starts at 9 pm, it usually hasn’t cooled off that much. - @stardust_silkys Embracing yourself and everyone for who they are. Love my autism and my LGBTQ+ identity. Love has no limits. - @_irigeorge_iridizontas Celebrating love with understanding inclusive people (I'm in a straight marriage, but I love love and it should always be celebrated!). Showing my respect to those who have suffered from discrimination just for wanting to be loved and understood x - @debworth88 There are lots of ways of existing as a happy healthy human that isn’t the standard path society tells us are the norm - @peachnpumpkin Being actually included by queer groups 🥰🥰🥰 - @yagamilight3000 As a straight and cisgendered autistic man, I feel connected to other people who I think are also neurodivergent. I believe that the areas of the brain where sexual orientation and gender identity exist are their own distinct neurotypes. When someone isn’t straight or cisgender, those neurotype ares are the result of neurodivergent brain structures. While I don’t have the experiential empathy of being someone of the LGBTQIA+, I share a more generalized experience of not being what everyone wanted me to be and being misunderstood throughout my life; it’s from this that I can draw up empathy for LGBTQIA+ people. The must be treated with dignity, respect, compassion, understanding and visibility. - @bradcotter002 A proof that it is NOT illegal or “sinful” to love sby of your own gender or both!! 🥳🍾🎊🎉🏳️🌈💜💙 #itsokaytobegay 😎🌈 - @mariksen Rainbows and parties 🌈 🌈🌈😂 I don’t need a special month to live the “pride lifestyle”. - @_katbls_ Almost all of my neurospicy friends are queer.. theyre inextricably linked. There is pride in accepting our neurodivergence and our sexuality and gender identities. Its just another thing to celebrate and be proud of. To stand up for and speak out about. Let our voices be heard - @hanami_dango_ Pride is more than a celebration; it's a pivotal moment of visibility and acceptance for those who often navigate multiple layers of marginalisation. By listening to the voices of the neurodivergent LGBTQIA+ community and implementing inclusive practices, we can ensure that Pride is an empowering experience for everyone involved. PS: Our Community series stories are unedited for grammar or spelling, and posted as received on our socials. The original comments can be found on our Instagram . Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

The Super Mario Bros actor in an open letter has urged for diverse representation at the Emmys < Back News Actor John Leguizamo urges TV Academy for inclusive representation The Super Mario Bros actor in an open letter has urged for diverse representation at the Emmys MMS Staff 12 Jun 2024 2-min read Emmy-winning actor John Leguizamo has issued an appeal to the Television Academy through an open letter published in The New York Times, urging for increased representation of diverse talents at the Primetime Emmy Awards. As the organisation behind the revered Primetime Emmy Awards, the Academy has a pivotal role to play in shaping perceptions of inclusivity and representation in media. Leguizamo, not one to shy away from advocacy, leveraged not only the printed word but also the digital sphere to amplify his call. Sharing images of the letter on social media, he tagged his contemporaries including Whoopi Goldberg, Anya Taylor-Joy, Missy Elliott, and George Takei as well as streaming platform Netflix in a bid to garner wide-reaching support. Highlighting discrepancies In his social media post accompanying the letter, Leguizamo points out a stark disparity: “White people are only 58.9% of the population but overrepresented in top positions across the board.” He notes the disproportionate influence this group holds in critical sectors such as technology, banking, and entertainment, underscoring his argument with the need for an industry that reflects the true demographic makeup of the country. “America is better when it is inclusive. It is more profitable. It is more creative!” he states. Challenging the status quo In his letter, Leguizamo urges the entertainment industry to move beyond superficial commitments to diversity and inclusivity. He writes, “Dear Hollywood, please let this be the year we finally embrace change. The year we truly find equity and see artists of colour represented across not just one category but ALL categories.” He critiques the industry's reluctance to translate the rhetoric of diversity into real action, highlighting the excellence of hundreds of artists of colour who are often overlooked due to systemic biases. An opportunity for real change The timing of Leguizamo’s letter aligns with the upcoming 76th Primetime Emmy Awards scheduled to air September 15 on ABC. This also gives an opportunity for the Television Academy to respond to the growing demands for equity and representation. Inspiring future generations Leguizamo concludes his letter with a forward-looking message, hoping to inspire future generations of minority and underrepresented artists and imagining a world where these artists can see themselves reflected on the Emmy stage: “If they can, maybe I can, too.” For now, all eyes are on the Academy to see how it responds to Leguizamo's call for change. His efforts have the potential to catalyse a significant shift in how talent is recognised and celebrated, paving the way for a media environment that reflects its diverse audience. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

From begging to coaching: Shabana’s role in shaping her daughter’s kickboxing dream < Back LGBTQIA+, Parenting, News Trans mom raises adopted daughter to be gold-winning kickboxer From begging to coaching: Shabana’s role in shaping her daughter’s kickboxing dream MMS Staff 6 Oct 2024 2-min read Meet Shabana, a 65-year-old transgender woman from Mysuru, India who went from begging on the streets to raising her adopted daughter, Bibi Fathima, into a gold-medal-winning kickboxer. Here’s the real story behind how they made it happen. Years ago, Shabana faced a lot of challenges. Surviving on the streets of Mysuru, her life was tough. Then, when her cousin abandoned four daughters, Shabana made a decision that would change everything — she adopted them, despite having almost nothing herself. One of those girls was Bibi Fathima, who had an unusual passion: kickboxing. At just 12, Fathima was determined to pursue her passion, even breaking open her piggy bank to enroll at a local kickboxing academy. Shabana, despite her limited means, supported her every step of the way. What started as a dream turned into a serious pursuit. Training hard every day, Fathima’s talent quickly caught the eye of her coaches. And it wasn’t long before the medals started rolling in. She’s now racked up 23 medals in various district, state, and national competitions. Her latest win is a gold medal at the 16th Karnataka State Kickboxing Championship. Fathima isn’t stopping at state competitions. She’s gearing up for even bigger tournaments in 2025, with plans to take on the national and international kickboxing scene. Shabana, always by her side, is ready to support her through whatever comes next. Fathima’s goals are clear; she’s already dreaming of one day becoming a coach herself. This mother-daughter duo is already making waves, and they’re not slowing down anytime soon. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

A simple guide to understanding nonbinary identities this Nonbinary Awareness Week < Back Gender, LGBTQIA+ What does it mean to be nonbinary A simple guide to understanding nonbinary identities this Nonbinary Awareness Week MMS Staff 9 Jul 2024 3-min read The term “nonbinary” is used to describe those whose gender identity exists outside of the traditional gender binary of male and female. This concept can encompass a spectrum of gender identities, including gender-fluid, bigender, and multigender, among others. While the specific meaning of nonbinary can vary from person to person, it fundamentally signifies an identity that does not fit exclusively within the categories of man or woman. The gender binary To grasp what it means to be nonbinary, it's essential to first understand the gender binary. The gender binary is the classification of gender into two distinct, opposite forms — man and woman. This system often dictates societal expectations regarding behaviour, roles, and appearance based on one's assigned gender at birth. However, the binary view excludes the experiences of those who identify outside these two categories. Understanding nonbinary identities Nonbinary individuals may experience their gender in a multitude of ways. Some might feel a blend of both man and woman, while others may identify as neither. The term itself serves as an umbrella, covering various identities that don't conform to the binary framework. Despite its growing recognition in contemporary society, nonbinary identities have been acknowledged and respected in numerous cultures for centuries. Nonbinary pronouns Pronouns play a crucial role in affirming a nonbinary person’s identity. In a world where gendered language is prevalent, nonbinary individuals often navigate pronouns that best reflect their gender. Some nonbinary people use binary pronouns like “she/ her” or “he/ him,” while others prefer gender-neutral pronouns such as “they/ them,” “ze/ hir,” or “ze/ zir.” The pronouns someone uses can vary based on their environment and feelings of safety. Gentle reminder: It's important to always use the pronouns a person indicates are appropriate for them. If unsure, opt for gender-neutral language or politely ask for their preferred pronouns. Defining nonbinary Most people, including many transgender individuals, identify as either male or female. However, nonbinary people do not neatly fit into these categories. They might blend elements of both genders, identify with neither, or experience a fluid or evolving gender identity. Terms like genderqueer, agender, bigender, and genderfluid reflect the diverse experiences within the nonbinary community. How to identify if you are nonbinary Figuring out if you are nonbinary is a personal journey that involves self-reflection and exploration. Here are some steps that might help: Think about how you feel about your gender. Do you feel like you don’t fully identify as a man or a woman? Educate yourself about different nonbinary identities and see if any resonate with your experiences. Engaging with nonbinary individuals can provide insight and help you understand your own feelings. Try using different pronouns or labels to see which ones feel most comfortable for you. Consider speaking with a therapist or joining a support group where you can discuss your feelings in a safe and understanding environment. Remember, your gender identity is unique to you, and it’s okay if it takes time to understand and articulate it. How to be respectful and supportive of nonbinary people: Always use the name and pronouns a nonbinary person requests. Avoid asking about their previous names or pronouns. You can't determine someone's gender identity based on appearance. If unsure about pronouns, ask respectfully. Support policies that allow nonbinary people to express their gender freely and safely in public spaces, workplaces, and schools. Recognize the challenges nonbinary individuals face in gendered spaces like restrooms and support their choice of where they feel safest. Engage with nonbinary people to understand their experiences and perspectives. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXB_VUHRT8o Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Reflecting on the disability advocate's legacy on his birth anniversary < Back Disability, Neurodiversity Remembering Javed Abidi: A pioneer of disability rights in the global South Reflecting on the disability advocate's legacy on his birth anniversary MMS Staff 11 Jun 2024 3-min read Javed Abidi, India’s towering figure in the disability rights movement, passed away in March, 2018 due to a chest infection, at the age of 53. The legacy he leaves behind is monumental, having spearheaded transformative changes that reshaped how disability is perceived and addressed in India and beyond. We remember him on his birth anniversary, reflecting on his journey, battles, and the mark he left on the world. Born this day in 1965 in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, Abidi's life was marked by personal challenges from an early age due to spina bifida, a condition that went untreated for years, leading to severe complications. Despite this, Abidi's resolve only grew stronger. After moving to the United States for treatment and education, he graduated from Wright State University well-equipped with both personal experience and academic insight into the world of disabilities. Returning to India in 1989 with a determination to make a difference, Abidi ventured into journalism. His path soon took a pivotal turn towards activism, driven by the dire state of disability rights in India. In 1993, he began his official journey into advocacy, laying the foundations for what would become a nationwide movement for disability rights. Abidi founded the Disability Rights Group (DRG) in 1994, which quickly became a cornerstone for advocacy in the disability space. His efforts were instrumental in the enactment of India’s Disability Act of 1995, a groundbreaking law that laid the groundwork for future advancements in disability rights in India. Abidi's advocacy did not stop there; he pushed for the inclusion of diverse disabilities in the new Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act 2016, significantly expanding the scope of disability rights and protections. In 2013, Javed Abidi was appointed vice-chair of the International Disability Alliance, further amplifying his global influence in advocating for disability rights. Earlier in his career, at politician Sonia Gandhi's invitation, he had established the disability unit at the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, broadening the impact of his work within India. His proactive approach was also evident in 2004, when a letter he wrote to the Chief Justice of India addressing the need for accessible polling booths for persons with disabilities was transformed into a writ petition. This led the Supreme Court to issue directives ensuring the voting process was made accessible, marking another significant victory in his long list of advocacy achievements. Abidi's strategy was clear and pragmatic. He believed in fighting for rights under the democratic framework of India's constitution, advocating for policies and laws that would ensure education, employment, and accessibility for persons with disabilities. His leadership at the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) was marked by major campaigns that led to significant policy changes, including India's ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007. Abidi was a strategist who knew that real change required pressing the government and private sectors to adopt inclusive policies. His work transcended partisan politics, working with governments of different ideologies to forward the disability rights agenda. Javed Abidi's contributions were not just legislative and policy-driven. He embodied the spirit of "Nothing About Us Without Us," giving a voice to an often overlooked minority and fostering a sense of pride and self-determination among people with disabilities. He believed in the power of collective action and information dissemination, often leveraging his position in New Delhi to mobilise support and advocate for change across various platforms. As we mark his birth anniversary, we remember Javed Abidi not just for what he achieved but for the profound influence he had on the lives of millions. We reflect not just on the laws and policies he helped shape but on his underlying belief in dignity, equality, and the potential of every individual. His vision was one of an inclusive society where disability was not an obstacle but a part of human diversity. His approach guides many disability advocates in their journeys today and reminds us that real change requires resilience, collective action, a visionary approach, and an unwavering commitment to the rights of all individuals. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

On International Music Day, Swara shares how music shaped her life & inspired her mission to heal others < Back Neurodiversity, Gender The power of music - my path to self-discovery and healing On International Music Day, Swara shares how music shaped her life & inspired her mission to heal others Swara Swami 1 Oct 2024 3-min read I come from a family deeply rooted in music. Even before I could talk, I was singing. My family would often record me as a baby, capturing my little voice on cassette tapes. Music became my solace, my constant companion through the ups and downs of life. During my school years, I was bullied relentlessly, and music became my refuge. It helped me heal. Over the years, I trained in various styles — Hindustani, film music, Western, contemporary — and even dabbled in Carnatic music, though it never quite resonated with me. When I lived in Shanghai, singing and acting became my source of confidence. Even though my peers thought I was different, they noticed my talent in the arts. I was part of a group called ‘Sur Shanghai,’ where we performed regularly, and I began to see how the arts could empower others just like they had for me. That’s when I first considered a career in music. My journey took me to KM Music Conservatory in Chennai, but I quickly realised Western Classical wasn’t for me. I also didn’t feel supported there, and during the holidays, I would help my mother — an accomplished singer herself who worked with disabled children. That’s when I discovered my love for working with children with disabilities. Around the same time, Berklee College of Music visited my school, and I was drawn to their Music Therapy program. I knew that was where I wanted to be. To pursue this dream, I moved to Malaysia to attend the International College of Music (ICOM), which offered a transfer program to Berklee. However, it wasn’t an easy path. I struggled with anxiety and often felt like I wasn’t good enough. I failed semesters due to a lack of accommodations and support, and I couldn’t secure a scholarship, despite getting admitted to Berklee twice. But once I finally made it to Berklee, everything changed. I became part of the Berklee Indian Ensemble, recorded an EP that was nominated for a Grammy, and performed alongside artists like Vijay Prakash and Shreya Ghoshal. I also joined The Lotus Sound, a circle singing group, and we recorded an EP and performed at the International Acapella Festival in Moscow. Despite these successes, I faced setbacks too. I didn’t pass my Music Therapy major on my first try but succeeded the second time. While I was finding my footing academically, I lost my mother to cancer, and my mental health took a hit. A discouraging comment from a professor further eroded my confidence. For five years, I couldn’t pass my Music Therapy exam, which prevented me from securing a job as a Music Therapist in the U.S. In 2020, when the pandemic hit, I returned to India and started my own Music Therapy program at a trust in Nashik, Maharashtra. It was a step forward, but I wasn’t done learning. In 2022, I began a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Expressive Arts Therapy at Lesley University. This hybrid program allowed me to explore all forms of art, not just music. It also helped me rediscover my confidence. I acted in a play, sang at open mics — things I never imagined I could do. Now, I dream of building my own private practice, where the arts are a core part of the healing process for others, just as they have been for me. Music has been a constant in my life, and I hope it continues to be a source of strength and healing for those who need it most. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

From unmasking at work to exploring new passions, here's how to navigate your new path < Back Neurodiversity, Work, Education 7 tips for reinventing your career after your neurodivergence discovery From unmasking at work to exploring new passions, here's how to navigate your new path MMS Staff 1 Aug 2024 5-min read So you were young, you fell in love with your idea of a career path or job, you pursued it, got placed at a company. And then it happened - you got an answer to a lot of your life’s questions with a late diagnosis or discovery, finding out you’re neurodivergent: ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, autism... or any of these conditions. And now, you want to unmask. You keep replaying your life thus far in your head, and you feel like you’d much rather do something else, be somewhere else, and be so much better at it too. Most late diagnosed/ discovered folx have been here - thinking their chosen job or career is something they want until the discovery/ diagnosis happens, and then suddenly they’re in the woods. Fortunately, there are some things you might want to consider if you’re in the same boat. Unmask at your current workplace - slowly, safely Let’s get this straight right up front - unmasking is difficult. And totally not recommended if you’re in a place where you might get taken advantage of. With that said, it is also one of the few ways to let your peers and co-workers know about the challenges you’re having. If you think you can speak to your boss about this, and they’ll understand, maybe that’s something to consider? It won’t make the job feel less boring, but accommodations and support can surely go a long way in making things bearable until you’re able to find something more suited to your needs. Shift to a more suitable job within your organisation Picking up where point one left off, if it’s the role you truly despise, and your boss or upper management understands your situation, maybe shifting to a different role within the same organisation might be something to consider. A lot of people, especially those with customer-facing roles find they’re actually not so suited for those roles once they start doing them. Ask to be shifted to a department where the work is more suited to your talents. Upskill A lot of companies, including Google, IBM and Meta, offer online courses that you can take to learn a new skill. Certificate courses can be taken part time at a flexible schedule, which you can figure out based on your current workload, and they’re relatively inexpensive as well. Once you have a certificate in a skill that’s in demand, apply for new jobs. Sure you’ll have to begin as a fresher, but it will be worth it in the long run if you truly have a passion for it. Go back to college If you feel like a simple certificate course won’t cut it, and that you need to learn the fundamentals all over again, it’s never too late to consider going back to college. This is a path a lot of people have taken well into their 50s and 60s, and if it’s something you’re sure about, the plunge will be worth it. The flipside - college is expensive and a lot of people aren’t able to afford it. But there’s always scholarships and grants that you can apply for. Explore flexible work options Figure out what about the job or career doesn’t feel right. If it’s the long hours, see if your workplace is able to offer you a flexible schedule. If it’s the social aspect, figure out if socialising is something you can limit to only certain days or hours a week. If it’s a long commute, explore WFH or hybrid formats of work. It’s important to know which aspect of the job seems cumbersome and unsustainable for you in the long run so you don’t wind up in the same boat over and over again. Experiment with side projects or part-time work If work overall doesn’t feel good, and you can afford some time off, pick up that side project that you always wanted to but never could. See if that could turn into a paid opportunity. With so many businesses relying on the internet and social media, you’ll be surprised what people will pay for. Or, for the time being, while you figure things out, you could take up a part time gig just to pay the bills. The extra headspace always helps put things in perspective! Consider freelancing or entrepreneurship And if working in a corporate or an office environment at your desk for 9 hours a day every day just doesn’t feel so good anymore, you might want to consider a freelance career. Lots of specialists offer their time to companies as a ‘fractional’ consultant, which means they work that same role with multiple companies. While the work might still be hectic, at least you’re your own boss and you'll be able to work by your hours. Another path to consider is entrepreneurship. And while running your own shop might have many downsides (and wayyyy more stress!), if aspects such as innovation, improvisation, and leadership come to you naturally, you’ll excel at it. Whichever of these paths you wind up taking, remember that it’s important to focus on your strengths. You will need to learn to advocate for yourself politely and assertively, and while it may seem like a drag to try and be social, networking within different communities really helps give perspective (and also, who knows, job opportunities in a field you like!). Join WhatsApp and Telegram groups started for neurodivergent folx by neurodivergent folx, and don’t be afraid or shy to ask for help from people there. It’s easy to blame yourself when things aren’t going right, but this is probably when it’s most important to actively practise self-compassion. Keep telling yourself that no time is ‘too late’ to have had a diagnosis or discovery, and that you can still pursue what you really like, what suits you, and pays you well. Finally - use social networks like LinkedIn and Indeed to keep yourself up-to-date on the job market in your field of interest. Follow companies you want to work with, and learn how to build a solid resume that highlights your strengths. And, if through this journey you see your mental health taking a toll, don‘t beat yourself up over it. Instead, consider therapy. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Ira Khan tells Much Much Media why Gen-Z is the loneliest generation ever < Back Community, Health, Parenting Why Gen Z feels so alone Ira Khan tells Much Much Media why Gen-Z is the loneliest generation ever MMS Staff 7 Jan 2026 5-min read In the first episode of Much Much Media’s chat show, Parenting Aaj Kal, Ira Khan says something a lot of Gen Z has felt in their chest for years but rarely had the words for: loneliness isn’t an exception anymore. It ’s becoming the default setting. And what’s unsettling isn’t just that young people feel lonely. It’s how quietly it has become normal. When loneliness becomes normal, it stops sounding like an emergency. It starts sounding like personality. Like a flaw. Like “maybe I’m just bad at friends.” But that story doesn’t hold up, not when you look at what has changed around young people, what has been taken away, and what has been made harder to access. “If you’ve never played like that…”: the kind of childhood many Gen Z kids didn’t get A generation ago, the script for childhood friendships was simpler: you’d go downstairs, find kids, play, fight, make up, repeat. Not perfectly. But often enough that you learned the messy basics of being with other people. In the episode, Ira names what’s missing now: the everyday, unstructured kind of play that teaches you how to belong without requiring a calendar invite. She puts it in a line that lands like a bruise: “If you’ve never played like that, how would you know you’re missing anything?” That question matters because it explains something many adults misunderstand about Gen Z loneliness. You can’t “just go make friends” if you didn’t grow up in environments where friendship happened easily: in parks, corridors, sports grounds, building compounds, school buses, streets, without supervision, without productivity goals, without a performance pressure to be “likeable.” If those spaces disappeared before you got to use them, connection starts to feel like a skill you were never taught. The loneliness is real — and the numbers back up the feeling Gen Z isn’t imagining this. Global data has been pointing in the same direction. A Meta–Gallup global survey across 142 countries found that 24% of people worldwide reported feeling “very” or “fairly” lonely, nearly one in four. And importantly, young adults aged 19–29 showed the highest levels, with 27% reporting feeling very or fairly lonely. Another Gallup measure (using a different question) found 23% of people worldwide said they felt loneliness “a lot of the day yesterday.” The point is: if loneliness is showing up at this scale, it’s not just an individual problem. It’s a social condition. And that’s exactly what Ira’s framing pushes us toward. A bigger, more systemic question: What happened to community? Why this isn’t just about screen time Yes, digital life shapes how Gen Z connects. But the deeper shift is what digital life replaced, and what society failed to build alongside it. In many places, kids today have: less unstructured time more academic pressure and packed schedules fewer accessible “third places” (spaces outside home and school where you can just exist) more safety fears (often real) that keep parents from letting kids roam and a culture that treats rest and play like something you must earn So friendships don’t form through “bumping into each other.” They form through planning, and planning requires time, energy, transport, money, and emotional bandwidth. That’s not neutral. That’s a filter. It decides who gets connection easily and who has to work for it. When “hanging out” becomes a logistical project Research is increasingly documenting a shift away from in-person social time. An OECD report notes that across OECD countries, longer-term trends show people are meeting in person less often, while digital interactions have become more frequent. The same report points out that people are often more likely to stay in touch remotely than meet up in person. For example, in European OECD countries, weekly remote contact outpaces weekly in-person get-togethers. This matters because digital connection can be meaningful but it doesn’t always meet the same needs as shared physical space: the micro-moments, the awkward silences, the inside jokes that happen when you’re simply around each other long enough. And when in-person connection becomes rare, it can start to feel… intense. Like a date. Like pressure. Like something you must perform well. That’s how loneliness can deepen: not only do you feel alone, you start to fear the very closeness you want. Loneliness isn’t a personal failure. It’s a public health issue When large numbers of people feel disconnected, the consequences aren’t just emotional. They show up in bodies and communities. The US Surgeon General’s 2023 advisory describes loneliness and isolation as a major health concern, linking lack of social connection to increased risk of physical and mental health harms. It also notes that the mortality impact of social disconnection is comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. That framing is important because it shifts the question from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What’s happened to our social fabric?” And once you see it that way, the “solution” can’t just be individual confidence hacks. It has to include social infrastructure: the spaces and conditions that make connection possible. Why this hits disabled and neurodivergent young people even harder Social issues don’t hit everyone equally. Loneliness intersects with disability, neurodivergence, chronic illness, mental health, and poverty not because disabled people are inherently lonelier, but because the world often blocks access to connection. The Surgeon General’s advisory notes that studies find high prevalence of loneliness and isolation among people with poor physical or mental health and disabilities, alongside financial insecurity and other structural vulnerabilities. Now layer that onto everyday reality: public spaces that aren’t physically accessible social plans built around sensory overload stigma that makes people treat disabled and neurodivergent kids as “too much” or “too difficult” bullying and exclusion in schools fewer inclusive community activities that don’t demand masking or social performance For many disabled and neurodivergent young people, loneliness isn’t about being “bad at socialising.” It’s about living in a world where social spaces weren’t designed with them in mind. When we talk about Gen Z loneliness, disability and neurodivergence can’t be an afterthought. Accessibility is community-building. So what do we do with this? Ira’s point in Parenting Aaj Kal isn’t nostalgia for a “better” childhood. It’s a prompt to notice what vanished, and to stop blaming young people for adapting to that loss. If loneliness has become Gen Z’s default, then the question becomes: how do we rebuild the conditions where belonging is ordinary again? Not through perfect friend groups. Not through forcing extroversion. But through small, structural shifts: protecting unstructured time in childhood (and honestly, in adulthood too) investing in accessible community spaces: parks, libraries, youth centres, hobby clubs designing social environments that don’t punish difference (sensory needs, communication styles, mobility needs) treating friendship and community as real life infrastructure, not an optional extra Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

The singer, diagnosed in 2022 with Stiff Person Syndrome, teared up belting out an Edith Piaf classic < Back Disability, News, Health Celine Dion makes grand comeback at Paris Olympics opening ceremony The singer, diagnosed in 2022 with Stiff Person Syndrome, teared up belting out an Edith Piaf classic MMS Staff 29 Jul 2024 2-min read Singer Celine Dion’s performance at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024 on Friday left the audience mesmerised. Performing her rendition of an Edith Piaf classic from atop the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Dion’s was the last act of the opening ceremony. With Friday’s event, the Canadian singer-performer (56) broke her three-year hiatus, which she had gone on after being diagnosed with the neurological condition Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). News of her diagnosis first came in December 2022, when she revealed that she had been having involuntary spasms and muscle rigidity. At the time, Dion had posted a video to her Instagram saying the spasms were impacting ‘every aspect’ of her daily life. “It’s been a struggle. All I know is singing.” Last month, Prime Video released the documentary I Am: Celine Dion , directed by Irene Taylor, which shows what the singer’s journey has been like living with the condition. In one of the scenes, during a physical therapy session, Dion is seen having a seizure. Taylor said she and Dion discussed about retaining the entirety of the scene in the final cut. “‘I think this film can help others understand what it’s like to be in my body… I don’t want you to shorten that scene,’” Taylor said Dion told her at the time. SPS is a rare, chronic neurological disorder that causes muscle stiffness and sometimes intense muscle spasms in the trunk and limbs, affecting posture, balance, and the ability to use certain muscles. It usually has an autoimmune component, and, in some cases, can be progressive and painful. Only one in about a million people gets SPS, and the condition affects twice as many women as men. The condition is diagnosed based on symptoms, through neurological and neuromuscular exams, including electromyography, or EMG, to test muscle and nerve function. Diagnosis also often relies on a blood test that measures the GAD antibody. At the time of her diagnosis, lots of her fans expressed their worry openly about how Dion - one of the top-selling artists of all time with over 200 million albums sold - would never be able to make a mainstream comeback. However, Dion’s Friday evening performance demonstrates that with an accurate diagnosis, timely therapies and the right treatment plans, some conditions can be managed effectively, if not completely reversed. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS