Sydney mum's viral rant exposes the city’s social ‘nightmare’
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In the vibrant streets of Sydney, one can't help but notice a subtle shift in social dynamics.
Amidst the bustling cityscape, there seems to be a growing tendency towards less social interaction, acts of kindness becoming less frequent, and a noticeable attachment to smartphones.
From busy cafes to bustling sidewalks, it's hard not to observe the pervasive presence of smartphone screens, a concern that a Sydney mum voiced in a video now spreading like wildfire.
Sonya Drivas, a local mum, has voiced a concern that many might feel, but few are willing to express openly.
Her candid revelation about the city's social climate has struck a chord with thousands, as she described Sydney as a ‘nightmare’ where kindness seems to be a rare commodity.
She said, ‘I thought it was just me noticing everyone is tired, everyone is stressed, everyone is angry, everyone is just over it.’
‘It just feels like everybody is on edge—whether it be on the road, at shopping centres, at the workplace with customers—everybody is just edgy, snappy, irritable and rude.’
‘It's almost like there is no kindness anymore,’ she laments, highlighting a shift in societal norms that has left her and others longing for the days when a simple bus ride included friendly banter and genuine connections.
Sonya noticed that the sense of community that many Aussies fondly remember seems to be dissipating in the urban sprawl of Sydney.
‘That's just gone. That Aussie culture is gone. You no longer get on a bus and go “How's your day mate?” It's just f****** weird,’ she said
‘I will…be sitting on the bus or train and everyone's just looking down at their phones. Everyone's just weird, anti-social, angry, tired and stressed. I remember growing up when it was normal to talk [and] socialise, even if it was a stranger.’
Sonya recounts an interaction, or lack thereof, with a fellow commuter. She complimented another woman on her shoes.
However, the woman merely stared blankly and quickly replied with a 'thanks' before returning her focus to her phone.
Sonya recounted, ‘I just said “I love your shoes”,’ adding, ‘She looked up at me like I had just said something absolutely crazy.’
This moment, which should have been a pleasant exchange, was reduced to a brief acknowledgment before retreating to the digital world.
But what's driving this change? Sonya and others suggest that the rising cost of living and the housing crisis are significant factors.
Financial stress can undoubtedly take a toll on one's demeanour, and with Sydney's property prices and living expenses among the highest in the nation, it's no surprise that the city's inhabitants are feeling the strain.
One user who saw Sonya’s video said, ‘Everyone is in survival mode due to the cost of living and the events of the last four years.’
The sentiment that Sydney's social fabric is fraying is echoed by others who have noticed a decline in everyday courtesies.
‘People don't even do the little wave anymore when you give way to them on the roads,’ said one user.
The city's culture is being compared unfavourably to that of other Australian locales, where a slower pace and lower cost of living seem to foster a more congenial atmosphere.
You can watch Sonya's video here!
Source: TikTok / @sonyadriva
It's important to note that Sydney's perceived decline in sociability may not be a universal experience.
Some residents argue that the city's size and the nature of urban living are to blame.
One user said, ‘It's just big city living…Been this way for eons. When I go home to Brissie I notice the kindness in customer service immediately.’
While the bustling streets of Sydney may often feel cold and indifferent, this heartwarming story of a good Samaritan from a quieter town will remind you that genuine kindness knows no bounds, even in the busiest of cities.
Have you noticed a change in the social atmosphere of your communities? Do you believe that the challenges of city living are at the root of this issue, or is something deeper at play? Let us know in the comments below!
Amidst the bustling cityscape, there seems to be a growing tendency towards less social interaction, acts of kindness becoming less frequent, and a noticeable attachment to smartphones.
From busy cafes to bustling sidewalks, it's hard not to observe the pervasive presence of smartphone screens, a concern that a Sydney mum voiced in a video now spreading like wildfire.
Sonya Drivas, a local mum, has voiced a concern that many might feel, but few are willing to express openly.
Her candid revelation about the city's social climate has struck a chord with thousands, as she described Sydney as a ‘nightmare’ where kindness seems to be a rare commodity.
She said, ‘I thought it was just me noticing everyone is tired, everyone is stressed, everyone is angry, everyone is just over it.’
‘It just feels like everybody is on edge—whether it be on the road, at shopping centres, at the workplace with customers—everybody is just edgy, snappy, irritable and rude.’
In a video with over 100 thousand views, this Sydney mum expresses her frustration with a supposed shift in the city’s social atmosphere. Image Source: TikTok / @sonyadriva
‘It's almost like there is no kindness anymore,’ she laments, highlighting a shift in societal norms that has left her and others longing for the days when a simple bus ride included friendly banter and genuine connections.
Sonya noticed that the sense of community that many Aussies fondly remember seems to be dissipating in the urban sprawl of Sydney.
‘That's just gone. That Aussie culture is gone. You no longer get on a bus and go “How's your day mate?” It's just f****** weird,’ she said
‘I will…be sitting on the bus or train and everyone's just looking down at their phones. Everyone's just weird, anti-social, angry, tired and stressed. I remember growing up when it was normal to talk [and] socialise, even if it was a stranger.’
Sonya recounts an interaction, or lack thereof, with a fellow commuter. She complimented another woman on her shoes.
However, the woman merely stared blankly and quickly replied with a 'thanks' before returning her focus to her phone.
Sonya recounted, ‘I just said “I love your shoes”,’ adding, ‘She looked up at me like I had just said something absolutely crazy.’
This moment, which should have been a pleasant exchange, was reduced to a brief acknowledgment before retreating to the digital world.
But what's driving this change? Sonya and others suggest that the rising cost of living and the housing crisis are significant factors.
Financial stress can undoubtedly take a toll on one's demeanour, and with Sydney's property prices and living expenses among the highest in the nation, it's no surprise that the city's inhabitants are feeling the strain.
One user who saw Sonya’s video said, ‘Everyone is in survival mode due to the cost of living and the events of the last four years.’
The sentiment that Sydney's social fabric is fraying is echoed by others who have noticed a decline in everyday courtesies.
‘People don't even do the little wave anymore when you give way to them on the roads,’ said one user.
The city's culture is being compared unfavourably to that of other Australian locales, where a slower pace and lower cost of living seem to foster a more congenial atmosphere.
You can watch Sonya's video here!
Source: TikTok / @sonyadriva
It's important to note that Sydney's perceived decline in sociability may not be a universal experience.
Some residents argue that the city's size and the nature of urban living are to blame.
One user said, ‘It's just big city living…Been this way for eons. When I go home to Brissie I notice the kindness in customer service immediately.’
While the bustling streets of Sydney may often feel cold and indifferent, this heartwarming story of a good Samaritan from a quieter town will remind you that genuine kindness knows no bounds, even in the busiest of cities.
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