Currently, families are more likely to ignore the tradition of having meals together, with each member either eating out or having breakfast, lunch, or dinner separately. From my perspective, this is a negative development due to three key aspects: the weakening of family bonds, the possible progression of depression, and the loss of the ability to communicate.
To begin with, there are various reasons why family meals are now uncommon. One main downside of this growth is that the rising competitiveness in society, many people do not have time to cook or have a family dinner. For instance, in Almaty, a significant number of individuals are obligated to work until 6 or 8 pm. Following their demanding workday, employees often find themselves returning home around 10 pm or even later, primarily due to the severe traffic congestion. Consequently, this extended commute frequently miss out on family dinner gatherings. Furthermore, the variety and convenience of fast food have obviously reduced mealtimes with loved ones. According to the statistics, with 20% of meals in the UK being eaten in an automobile, we have already depended on junk food rather than eating at home with relatives.
Although the rapid societal development leaves us with little time or opportunity to share meals with our families, I still believe that this is not a positive trend. Firstly, eating together builds stronger, closer relationships with each other. Spending time collectively by having dinner or breakfast will definitely maintain contact within the family on a regular basis, despite the fact that everyone has a different life. Secondly, family supper contributes beneficially to physical, cognitive, and mental well-being, as home-cooked meals typically contain lower levels of sugar and salt compared to foods consumed outside the home. Therefore, having fewer domestic meals is not a perfect choice for relationships and health, and it is a negative trend continuously.
All things considered, family meals are not popular nowadays because of the development of a competitive society and the rise of the fast food industry. However, I strongly consider that this trend is harmful, and we should have meals shared with loved ones in order to strengthen family bonds and benefit our health.