School reunions are losing their appeal as social media removes the element of surprise, according to Professor Gary Martin, CEO of the Australian Institute of Management WA. He told ABC Breakfast that decades ago, people relied on gossip and whispers to keep up with classmates, and reunions were a chance to confirm or negate that information. Now, with social media, attendees already know everything about their former classmates before arriving.
Professor Martin believes school reunions started to die some time ago, but people are only now admitting the real reason. The convenience of online platforms means there is little left to discover at these events, reducing their appeal.
This trend reflects broader changes in social interaction, where digital connections often replace in-person gatherings. As social media continues to evolve, traditional reunions may become less common.
