Why We Still Crave Genuine Emotional Connection | Shalini Sharma | TEDxDIS Riverside Youth

Despite constant access to one another, genuine emotional connection can still feel hard to find. This TEDx talk by counselling psychologist Dr. Shalini J. Sharma looks at the gap between frequent communication and feeling truly seen, heard and understood. It considers why meaningful relationships need more than digital access, with attention to empathy, vulnerability, presence and connecting beyond the surface.

• The gap between constant communication and feeling understood
• Why meaningful relationships need more than digital access
• The roles of empathy, vulnerability and presence
• Speaker: Dr. Shalini J. Sharma, counselling psychologist

We can reach anyone, anywhere, at almost any time, yet genuine emotional connection can still feel elusive. This talk explores the difference between constant communication and feeling truly seen, heard, and understood. It examines why meaningful relationships require more than digital access, highlighting the importance of empathy, vulnerability, presence, and the willingness to connect beyond the surface. Dr. Shalini J. Sharma is a counselling psychologist and trauma-trained psychotherapist with over two decades of professional experience. She serves as Director of Wellness at Plaksha University, where she works to support psychological well-being and foster a supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. With expertise in emotional intelligence, resilience and human behaviour, she brings together psychological insights and practical approaches to emotional well-being and personal development. She is also a published author of children's books that encourage young readers to recognise and express their emotions. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx