In today’s world, we mostly connect with people through a screen. Rather than writing letters or meeting up, we send a text or a DM to let someone know we’re thinking about them.
The way we use social media seems normal to us, but it’s probably one of our societies most unhealthy traits. We feel so connected when using platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, but when we’re talking to people via these media platforms, we’re usually alone.
I’m guilty of depending on technology and social media to avoid personal contact. Personally, I believe that’s why so many people growing up in this generation suffer from social anxiety. We’re so used to typing everything out on a screen that we don’t necessarily learn how to properly communicate in person.
When I’m sitting in a room or waiting in line, a majority of the people I see around me are on their phones. Even when people are out to dinner together, you’ll likely see them with their faces glued to their screens instead of facing the person in front of them, engaged in genuine conversation.
My friends and I go out a lot, and when we do, we mostly just sit on our phones because it’s how we deal with the silence if we don't have anything to say.
Technology has definitely hindered our social skills as a society, but it’s still a necessity. Still, just because technology can be helpful doesn’t mean all the applications we use with it are too.
I went on social media and asked friends the following question, “Do you think that social media, despite being made to help us connect with people, makes us more alone as a society?”
All but one person who responded told me that they believe it does. Social media has slowly morphed into something someone can run to as if it’s an actual person.
It’s also about the status quo, which we focus on so much that it becomes like an obsession, causing us to forget about reality.
There’s also the other side to consider- maybe technology doesn’t make us feel more alone because we can connect with a larger group of people. Besides, it’s easier to do it through platforms such as Skype or FaceTime. Texting and FaceTime definitely do make it easier to talk to people, especially when talking to people you don’t get to see and hang out with very often.
My word of advice is to put the phone down more often. I, myself, will be doing this too because I want the experience of learning how to connect on a more personal level. When you’re hanging out with your friends, leave your phone in your pocket. Record less of what’s going on around you and enjoy it for what it is.
I can promise you that all those funny memes and tweets will still be there when you grab your phone back out again. But one day, the people you wish you connected with won’t be. That’s just something to consider.