Explore why silent companionship is becoming a productivity tool for many

Digital interaction has evolved significantly since the launch of WhatsApp video-calling in 2016. A new trend has emerged where loved ones remain connected via a screen for hours without actively chatting.

This "low-stakes socialising" allows individuals to complete chores or office work while enjoying the silent, distant company of another, effectively tackling urban loneliness through technology.

Dial it down

For many, this practice removes the pressure of constant engagement. Bhavya Gehlot, a 26-year-old researcher, maintains a long-distance relationship with marketing executive Jaay Rathod.

Despite a 12-hour time difference between California and India, they utilise video calls to "simply exist together" during their respective routines.

Gehlot notes that "It helps a relationship feel more grounded and real, even though we’re thousands of miles apart."

This shift from active "doing" to passive "being" fosters a different kind of intimacy, allowing people to feel present in each other's lives during mundane activities like journaling or room setup.

Extension cords

Psychotherapist Dr Anjali Chhabria observes that while this habit spiked during the pandemic, it now serves as a vital tool for staying part of someone’s life.

Arya, a 27-year-old businessman, used these sessions to bridge the gap between Italy and Mumbai while studying. "It felt like she was around me," he recalls of the silent hours spent between assignments.

Similarly, Rachel Teo found these calls acted as a productivity tool and a way to socialise when her "social battery" was low.

Dr Chhabria concludes that while silence cannot replace active communication, it provides a sense of accountability and companionship akin to "having a cat sit next to you."