At the risk of stating the obvious, humans need human connection. I’m sharing because it’s a message I keep seeing over and over.
In a facebook post after the Vegas massacre, Brene Brown said: “Step away from social media coverage and toward real people for support, action, conversation, and being with each other in collective pain.” Seems easy enough and makes sense, but for many, breaking free from our devices is tough.
Related is this (long) special feature from the Guardian, ‘Our minds can be hijacked’: the tech insiders who fear a smartphone dystopia which unpacks how addictive and how powerful social media really is. It’s scary but worth the read.
The Wall Street Journal story Why Personal Tech Is Depressing examines the increase in depression around the world. The author, Stephen Ilardi, a clinical psychologist and researcher, shares that as “smartphones have become ubiquitous over the past decade, the proportion of Americans who report feelings of chronic loneliness has surged to 40%.” In addition to social isolation, inactivity, another consequence of smart technology, is a factor in increasing rates of depressive illness.
Finally, there is an antidote. CNBC reports that the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which is based on nearly 80 years of data, finds “social connections are really good for us.” Our relationships keep us happy and healthy. These include connections with family, friends, and community.
All this has me thinking about how humans require human interaction. I almost added that this is especially true for women as much has been written and said about the importance of our girlfriends. However, we are seeing too often the tragic handiwork of lone-wolf-types so it seems just as or maybe even more true for guys.
Please don’t think I’m anti-technology because I love my computer, smartphone, and iPad as much as anyone else but believe it’s important to stay informed and keep some perspective.
In conclusion, go hang out with your family or friends. If they aren’t available, check out meetup.com or your local library for opportunities to get together with others in your community.
Would love to hear your thoughts on connection. You can comment below.
Thanks for reading!
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