I was watching a couple of videos shared to social media the other day. The setting seems ideal: music, people all around, drinks, etc. There's one problem: More than half of the people in the video had their heads buried in their phones and ignoring the person next to them. Admittedly, I have the tendency to get lost in my phone. Finding myself with my head buried in my phone, checking the scores, reading an article or checking posts on social media, it becomes obvious when others around you are doing the same. It's obvious when no words or laughs are being exchanged between you and the people around you.
Times are different and we do have information at the drop of a dime. However, what are you missing when we get lost in your phone?
You're missing real, true and honest human interaction. Your attention span is shorter because your communication is being interrupted by a flashing light or sound on your phone. You may miss the context of what is being said in front of your face. You may miss something your friend is doing or what people are saying right next to you.
The choice between personal human interaction and the addiction to being "connected" is one that needs to be made, and I'll always prefer human interaction over being connected. With that being said, I challenge you to put down your phone the next time you have a friend, family member or your significant other by your side. If you have to leave it in the car or at home to help with it, then do so. You just might be missing out on a really good conversation or a joke that you'll carry with you for years.
