The locals are on the phones when nothing happens

Text and drawing by Frits Ahlefeldt

Ever walked into a small town or village and wondered where all the locals are? – I think I know… they are online

When I walk in the evenings I can see the light from all the screens. And just like everybody else, people are on Facebook, Netflix, Youtube and Instagram – because nothing happens – The playground,, the church, the museums, the bars, the cafes the local square. All is empty while everybody sits bored waiting for something to happen

Creating trails, local and long distance paths connecting the villages can make a huge difference here. Because when hikers visit local cafes, churches and museums, the locals are more likely to put their phones down, head out on the streets, and visit them too

Local places are not what they used to – more and more we are online instead – illustration by Frits Ahlefeldt

Keywords: Technology, hiking, local street life, community, online, apps, hiker