What Are We Doing?

This caught my attention: a TV report about the demise of phone calls. The projection is that while phone use will be instrumental; using them for "conversation" is going to be a thing of the past. As one college student put it "it's just less awkward to text than try to talk." ("Try to talk"? I've been talking since 2 years old; never really been very tough to do). Not bothering to check for voice messages is becoming a norm as well.


Receently we've witnessed the Wisconsin capital being overrun with shouting, angry protestors. Not to politicize (there's plenty of blame to share); but while they claim to be "civil" the actions, taunts, and signs indicate anger, lack of respect. This isn't productive "communication"....neither is running off to Illinois and then sending emails, holding television press conferences.


And haven't we all attended meetings where several people were more engaged with their smartphones than the humans in the room.?


OK...WHAT is going on here? A total disconnect to other people; and empathy is getting lost. Someday, historians are going to look back and point "this is where society took a turn---for the worse". And my belief is that rooted in the cause is our increasing failure to directly, honestly communicate with each other. Having a face-to-face conversation is far better than a phone call...but phone conversations are passe and texting is the norm. How do you express emotions via a text? A smiley face icon--come on?!


It's indication that inspite the ever expanding technologies meant to improve communication, that the world is actually becoming far more isolated and about "me". Twitter and Facebook are both outlets for unadultrated publication that I am important, my actions deserve notice. Even if no one reads your posts--isn't telling the world that you just had a tuna fish sandwich just a tad self absorbed? Guess what, I don't care...but you still bolster your own self importance jotting those posts...and as YOUR (perceived) importance rises, others decline. That is a sure formula for disrespect and trouble.


We sit sheltered in our own little tech dominions; daily choosing if another person is "worthy" of our interaction. Here's my tip of the day. Spend 1/3 less time on Facebook and use it to actually write someone a note, answer the destined-to-be-ignored email, or (God forbid) use your phone to call someone and say "hi". You might miss out on Nancy's FB post that her dog just was groomed; but that is a small price to pay for continued genuine connection with the rest of humanity.


And while the "me" world is not necessarily focused on "the common good"....there's great opportunity for effective use of "message advocates" to build relationships. It's a creative, sincere path around the email "delete button" or ignored voice mails. Relationships are worthwhile; patience and creativity make them happen.