As an Emotional Intelligence Certified Master Trainer and Practitioner, I’ve spent years learning about the subject, and in some ways I have been able to help people develop self-awareness, regulate emotions, and build meaningful relationships. But lately, I’ve noticed something troubling. #EmotionalIntelligence – the very skill that makes us better leaders, partners, colleagues, and human beings – is on the decline.

You can see it everywhere. People are quicker to react and slower to listen. Conversations feel more like battles than exchanges. Stress, anxiety, and burnout are at an all-time high. Kindness and empathy are taking a backseat to self-interest and survival mode.

So, what’s happening? And more importantly, what can we do about it?

Why Are We Losing Emotional Intelligence?

1. We’re More Connected, Yet More Disconnected
Technology is supposed to bring us closer, but let’s be honest – it’s doing the opposite. We message instead of calling, scroll instead of talking, and multitask through conversations instead of truly listening. We’re losing the ability to read emotions, understand body language, and connect on a human level.

2. The Rise of “Me First” Culture
Personal achievements, likes, and status updates now measure success. While there’s nothing wrong with ambition, when everything becomes about "me" instead of "we," empathy takes a hit. Emotional Intelligence thrives in environments where people care about each other – but today, caring is often seen as a weakness rather than a strength.

3. Stress is Turning Us Into Emotional Time Bombs

Life feels like a never-ending race. Deadlines, financial pressures, social expectations – the list goes on. When stress levels stay high, our ability to regulate emotions weakens. That’s why we see more frustration, irritation, and impulsive reactions. When was the last time you took a breath before responding instead of just snapping?

4. Face-to-Face Conversations Are Becoming Rare
With remote work, online education, and digital entertainment, many of us spend more time behind screens than in front of people. This means fewer opportunities to practice Emotional Intelligence in real-life interactions. Without those daily, unfiltered exchanges, our ability to navigate emotions naturally starts to fade.

5. The World Feels More Divided Than Ever
Politics, social issues, personal beliefs – it feels like people are on edge, ready to argue at any moment. We’ve stopped listening to understand and started listening to respond. We label, judge, and dismiss instead of trying to find common ground. Emotional Intelligence is about connection, but today, division is becoming the norm.

How Do We Fix This?

Here’s the good news – Emotional Intelligence isn’t something you’re born with or without. It’s a skill. And like any skill, it can be strengthened.

1. Slow Down and Check In With Yourself

Self-awareness is the foundation of Emotional Intelligence. Ask yourself, “How am I feeling right now?” Recognizing your emotions before they take over helps you respond instead of react. A simple pause can change everything.

2. Be Present in Conversations

How often do we truly listen? No distractions, no thinking about what to say next – just listening. Next time you talk to someone, try this: put your phone away, maintain eye contact, and really hear them. You’ll be surprised at how much deeper your conversations become.

3. Reduce Your Digital Dependence

We can’t escape technology, but we can control how we use it. Set phone-free hours, call instead of texting, and make time for face-to-face interactions. Real emotions can’t be conveyed through emojis.

4. Practice Empathy – Every Day

One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to strengthen Emotional Intelligence is to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Before judging or reacting, ask yourself, "If I were them, how would I feel?" It’s a game-changer.

5. Bring EI Training Into Schools, Universities, and Workplaces

Emotional Intelligence should be taught just like math and science. Schools and Universities need to prioritize emotional skills, and companies should integrate EI into leadership and team-building programs. The future belongs to emotionally intelligent people – period.

Final Thoughts – This Starts With Us

Emotional Intelligence isn’t disappearing because we’re incapable of it. It’s fading because we’re not paying attention. But the good news? We can bring it back. Every small effort counts. Every moment of self-awareness, every pause before reacting, every act of kindness and empathy – it all adds up.

If we want a more understanding and connected human world, it starts with us. Today. Right now.

Let’s bring Emotional Intelligence back – together. Connect with me!