Jennifer Horgan: Why I’ll never buy from Amazon again – a lesson in time and human connection

An afternoon with the last long-term resident of an old street in Cork City reminded me that time spent together is worth more than convenience

'Amazon is selling us back time, manipulating us into thinking efficiency is what makes us happy, when what makes us happy is time spent together, however inefficiently. I hear that in Fred’s stories — running to Woolworths with his pals, greeting cinemagoers at the Cineplex.'

I am simultaneously scrolling headlines and searching for his house — 'Amazon announces new Irish website'. Instinctively, I roll my eyes.

Single-letter stickers on a door, spelling out his name, FRED, tell me I’ve arrived.