The difference is that they use screens passively, I guess. 

 Yeah I think @J is kind of right, although there are many reasons why we spend less time with many people to just enjoy our being together. 

For me, I ended up being a cave person, smoking instead of drinking, can’t stand the folk music. I like to spend time with more people but not with loud German music or beer & german food. 

I feel so different to the „adult“ people in my village, I often think of how to build connection again. I could just visit them and talk to them but their interests are far from mine (expect maybe gardening) this doesn’t feel easy for me.

Also many of the people, who were organizing it, became older and some of them additionally don’t like each other (so won’t encourage each other)

I know there are many people in my age that are bullish on continuing these festivals, but the „why“ isn’t as connected to them as with the previous generations, it’s often rooted in religion. (We celebrate the opening of our church every year)

But the community thing with trading with your neighbors, its definitely decreasing. 

I personally have a hard time to connect with German culture! So I often think about creating my own German culture. 

And as for many things, we shouldn’t underestimate the power we personally have to influence the circumstances especially locally!! 

 That last point is worth exploring. Perhaps that’s how many other people feel and they’re all creating their own German culture? It’s certainly not as simple as phones, there’s trade, supermarkets, online shopping etc.

I’m with you about the music. Most english folk music that gets played at festivals is awful but their is also some amazing traditional songs that when approached well are brilliant. 

 I’m not sure if people feel like they have the time and energy to create their own culture right but it may be a logical consequence in the future! Suddenly I really appreciate the neighbors that make the festivals happen, I really took it for granted my whole life. 

Oh really, you’re experiencing the same? Many of these approved songs are actually English here, but there are also a few German bangers haha. 😂 and the youth started to listen to a mix of folk music & electronic music 🤷🏼‍♀️:D 

 We have lots of young people starting live bands, now. Playing crossover styles. 

 One of the upsides of Covid is some kids were totally happy at home practicing! I work part time for a music charity and we have a great group right now, pretty advanced for their years! 

 Yeah, my son got really into his trumpet, during COVID. Now, he just wants to play ⚽ 

 That’s beautiful!! :)