In an increasingly connected world, we have never been more disconnected.
In a split second, we can connect a video call with someone the other side of the globe. A century ago, this concept would have been incomprehensible.
However, in the bid for ever increasing technology, connecting people across the globe, we have forgotten the importance of real-life relationships. The accessibility of conversations with anyone and anywhere has driven people into blatant isolation. This ability of connection through devices has curved our motivation for deep meaningful conversations, whether they be face to face or over the phone.
Our attention is directed elsewhere. Globally, the average person spends 6 hours and 37 minutes a day looking at a screen. If a person sleeps for 8 hours a night, then this is almost half of their waking life staring at a screen. It is true that screens are a necessity in many jobs today, which only reinforces the fact that screens are dominating our working lives as well as our personal lives.
Technology distracts us from our problems
This is by no means relatable to everyone. The argument posed here is that technology is a distraction for those who are vulnerable to poor mental health and isolation. To escape the negativity, people can turn to their smart phones. Every time we check our phones; a small amount of dopamine is released. Furthermore, people may look to even more dopamine via social media and gratification from complete strangers. Subsequently, people can rely on these methods to support their mental health rather than communicating with those who actually love them and vice versa.
Communication is key to positive mental health
We are social beings that thrive on building relationships with others. Without communication, any problems we may be experiencing can snowball into huge problematic issues. By communicating with others about our emotions, we can make sense of the storm that may rage inside our heads. Sometimes all it takes is one outlet to release the storm and see clearly again. I talk from firsthand experience.
Famous Sociologist and Author, Sherry Turkle, argues that the rise of technology has alienated us from each other. People often prefer the company of their phone in a regular social setting and opt for texting rather than talking. On a grandeur scale, society has moved away from conversation to connection. Nothing can substitute conversation. In conversation we can be empathetic, working together to address any problems that stand in the way. The rise of human civilization is built on the very foundation of conversations.
“In order to feel more, and to feel more like ourselves, we connect. But in our rush to connect, we flee solitude. In time, our ability to be separate and gather ourselves is diminished. If we don’t know who we are when we are alone, we turn to other people to support our sense of self. This makes it impossible to fully experience others as who they are. We take what we need from them in bits and pieces; it is as though we use them as spare parts to support our fragile selves.”
Sherry Turkle, Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age
Converse
Let’s talk more. If you’re feeling down, reach out. If you haven’t spoken to a family member or friend in a while, check in on them. You never know who might need it in that moment.
Being with the right people is central to creating the fondest moments in your life. If you want the best for someone, make it known. If they think the same of you, it will be reciprocated. According to Jordan B. Peterson, making friends with people who want the best for you is one of his 12 rules for life.
“You should choose people who want things to be better, not worse. It’s a good thing, not a selfish thing, to choose people who are good for you. It’s appropriate and praiseworthy to associate with people whose lives would be improved if they saw your life improve”
Jordan B. Peterson, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos
Creating a positive mind frame and a happy life with the right people begins with conversation. We need to talk more.
Check this out on my blog: http://jakeyoga.blog/2024/11/25/reclaiming-meaningful-conversations-in-a-digital-age/
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Reclaiming Meaningful Conversations in a Digital Age was originally published in Mindful Mental Health on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.