In a world with constant connectivity that’s mostly virtual or digital with smartphones and technology, I feel disconnected from people with whom I once shared authentic connections. Do you resonate with this feeling?
I’ve come to realize over time that virtual connections can’t replace the depth and authenticity of real-world relationships.
The next time you go out to a stand in a queue, a waiting room, lunch break with colleagues, or even dinner with family, take a moment to observe what every single person is mostly engaged with. I’m sure you’ll see people of any age, glued to their screens.
While technology enables people worldwide to connect easily through video calls and instant messages, it’s high time to acknowledge that we’ve never been more disconnected from each other and from ourselves.
Read more: Virtual vs Real-life friendships
Our priorities have shifted from presence to productivity, from depth to convenience. As our digital lives evolve, our real lives often become entangled in distractions.
Disconnected from self?
Most of us have lost the ability to turn inwards and connect with our true selves.
When was the last time you sat on a chair, with a cup of tea, listening to your inner voice and focusing on your thoughts?
Watching Netflix is easier today than reading books, scrolling through the phone while walking is easier than taking a walk in nature, and listening to the sounds around us.
But we expect our kids to stay away from gadgets and focus on healthy living. Would it be possible without us being their role models?
Going on a digital detox at times helps one find inner peace and experience the little joys of everyday life.
Read more: Tips for a digital detox
A feeling of being disconnected from our actual lives and clinging to what we watch on phone screens is a concern in the digital age that needs to be addressed before it goes beyond our power to handle.
What’s in a connection?
Going beyond surface-level talks and feeling understood makes a bond genuine and strong.
“The only bond worth anything between human beings is their humanness” -Jesse Owens
As human beings, it’s natural to crave interaction with other humans.
Taking that time, choosing to pause, to listen, to be kind in person is not just an act of courtesy, but also one of nourishment, for both ourselves and those we engage with.
Read more: Listening without judging
In an age where screens dominate much of our attention, it’s easy to forget the value of simply being present with others.
Face-to-face interaction offers subtle but powerful experiences. A shared laugh, a moment of silence, and the empathy in someone’s eyes are things that can’t be fully experienced through digital communication.
At times, it’s necessary that we’re disconnected from our screens and connected with our real selves, to reflect and realize the truths of life.
Tips to find a balance
Although digital devices are a big part of modern life, it’s important not to let them distract us from real-world connections, goals, and moments that truly matter.
Maintaining a healthy balance and remaining grounded in real-life experiences and responsibilities is essential to experiencing life to its fullest.
Read more: 5 ways to find happiness in life
A sense of being disconnected in a connected and busy world that pushes people to constantly compete with others for fame and success brings in a lot of stress, anxiety, and fear.
It’s possible to overcome this negative vibe only by being mindful of our ways and choosing holistic living that helps us stay in control of our actions.
Here are some tips to connect with yourself and others to make the world a better place for all:
- Set screen time limits and use only those apps that are essential for your daily activities.
- Make it a point to get outdoors every day for some time to feel lighter and refreshed.
- Greet people you come across in everyday life, taking a moment off your screen. This keeps you from getting disconnected over time.
- Practice gratitude to do away with unnecessary worries that make you see people as threats or your competitors.
- Count your blessings and appreciate those around you.
Do you feel disconnected in a world that has a myriad of apps to connect with people anywhere in the world? Do share in comments.
This Post Has One Comment
Nowadays people don’t chat when they are in a queue etc they are too busy staring at their devices. Social interaction has totally changed. I have seen people out on dates or families having a meal and they are staring at I iPads/ phones/ kindles. Minimal if any conversation. So sad really.