Take Your Eyes Off the Screen
Humanity was not created to be alone. You and I were designed and intended to be in a community with others, socialize, share space and time with others, and be in meaningful relationships. Even if you’re more introverted and would rather keep to yourself, it is more healthy to be around others than life in isolation. It doesn’t matter your personality--you need other people. The good news is that the world we live in is more connected than ever before, we can reach people farther and faster than ever before, and even the smallest of voices can make an incredible difference like never before. It would seem that humanity has created the world’s largest community in the history of civilization. When you think about it, our ability to connect with another person across the globe in real-time is nothing short of astounding.
Yet despite the incredible connectivity across the world, people feel more lonely and more isolated than ever. Rather than meet our neighbors across the street, we sit alone and meet neighbors around the globe. It’s easier to scroll through social media, see what the world is up to, drop a few comments, and move on. We have been duped into thinking the internet and social media can provide us with the kind of community we all need. But the truth is we need real connection, face-to-face conversations, hugs, high fives, and handshakes. We need real conversations in the hallways with our friends and with our neighbors on the driveway.
But there is good news. The community we all need and crave is even closer than the screen. Community can be found in our school hallways, workspaces, neighborhood streets, and families. And they all need community just as much as you do. There are people you see every day who need your encouragement, smile, or comforting hug. Even something as simple as giving another your undivided attention and eye contact makes a huge difference in the lives of others.
So take some time today to listen to another person, start a conversation, shake a hand, give a hug--be physically present in people’s lives. Take your eyes off your screen and focus them on a friend or family member. Sit in the same room, share a meal, and be genuinely interested in those around you. This is what community is all about. It’s face-to-face and not face to screen.
There is certainly nothing wrong with taking advantage of our incredible capacity to reach others around the world in an instant, but not at the peril of humanity’s need to be connected at a deeper level--a level that goes far beyond what a screen can offer. You will feel a reduction in stress. You will laugh more, feel more connected to people, have better relationships, and have a greater sense of belonging.
When you’re done reading this, look up and connect with someone.
Challenges/Points:
First, look up from your screen and find someone you could talk to. It could be a co-worker, neighbor, or classmate.
Second, go talk to them. Get to know them. Ask questions.
Third, realize that real community is not found in an app, over text message, or a zoom meeting. Real community is built face-to-face.
Questions:
Take a minute and really be honest with yourself. Why do you think communicating behind a screen is easier?
Do you have any fears about speaking and meeting with others in person? If so, why do you think that is? What would it take to overcome that fear?
If you looked up right now, who could you go and talk to?
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