Unplug For Your Health!

“Technology is a queer thing. It brings you gifts with one hand, and stabs you in the back with the other.” ― C. P. Snow

Think about it. Have you ever been lonely? We all like “alone time” maybe even quite a bit of it.  Many of us have a network on which we rely for social interaction, relaxation and support.  For some it is a digital network.  Loneliness can occur in the workplace, community or within a family.  Technology in our personal lives and in the workplace can contribute.  Social media has changed the way we connect but no number of texts, tweets or posts can replace human interaction – a genuine smile, shake of a hand or sound of another’s voice.  Despite being connected today, more than ever before young people under 35 report to frequent feelings of loneliness.  There are advantages and disadvantages of digital communication.  https://blog.collegevine.com/the-importance-of-face-to-face-communication-in-the-digital-age/

Be mindful of what digital communication can cause:

1. It can provide stimulation and excitement for which you have no outlet.
2. You may begin to believe that the number of likes, impressions or tags you get is an indication of your importance in the world
3. It could prevent you from enjoying the company of others
4. You may find it hard to let go of stress and worry
5. In conversation we are more sensitive to the listener’s reaction to words

People crave contact. We are hard wired neurologically to want it. Social media has offered everyone a mask behind which we can hide. Prolonged lack of contact however can eventually make us less able to withstand the actual demands of genuine friendship – the type of interaction where you are not afraid to be seen without makeup or can respond to emotional honesty in the sound of another’s voice.  The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants recommends that we “Pick up the phone more” to tap into the value of personal interactions.  https://www.aesc.org/insights/blog/building-personal-relationships-digital-world

So when you chat online with a friend tonight see if they are free for coffee.  Set a date to meet and keep it. See what you are missing.