In an increasingly noncommittal, virtual and fast world, there is an increasing desire for real empathy, honest communication and authentic contact in a relaxed atmosphere. This new togetherness is maintained regardless of income, age, gender or origin. It is a retreat into the homeliness that can be implemented easily and uncomplicated, which makes it so attractive: cocooning – the retreat into one’s own four walls, becomes a social space of resonance.
Cooking and eating together connects.
You are doing something similar to the Hygge lifestyle, but with others – either friends or strangers. A planned social encounter that is not about results, but about togetherness. The trend has announced in recent years through food trends and other sharing concepts. People have realized that cooking and eating together connects. But cocooning already appeared in the 1980s, when people wanted to stay in their comfort of their own home when it was unpleasant outside.
Social Cocooning is a countermovement.
All forms of mindfulness are responses to problems in society such as acceleration, pressure and time constraints. The megatrend of individualization also plays a part in this: Everyone wants to be different, not mainstream, and our economic system promotes this ego competition. Social Cocooning is a countermovement, the longing for a sense of being.
We are more individual than we used to be, we must and can choose our communities. In the past, people were often automatically part of a village or church community. Today, we create our social fabric, e.g., with the concept of co-living and co-working.
A new form of social change.
We currently experience a lot of fluctuation in our society e.g. in our job, love life, and circle of friends. This mobility and flexibility permanently create a more significant longing for togetherness.
