India, April 7 -- About a month ago, I took a solo trip to the Kochi Biennale. This wasn't my first time travelling by myself, I have done it many times and enjoy it deeply. Yet I was surprised to see something fundamental shift this time around. While Kochi had lots of solo travellers, most people-be it at restaurants or coffee shops-were busy looking into their phones, wearing headphones, and eating their meals quietly without making eye contact. As someone who enjoys talking to strangers-whether on the train, at a play, or a pub-it felt strangely sad.

However, I did manage to have some conversations with a restaurant owner who gave me recommendations on what to eat in Kochi and suggested using the water metro and public transport. The...