I have a love-hate relationship with my smartphone. I check it a hundred times a day, or more. And while you think it would make me feel more connected to people, there are times it can actually make me feel more isolated.
Do cell phones hurt our relationships?
There’s nothing worse than sitting down to have lunch with a friend and they place their phone on the table. You immediately feel like you’re not important.
How many times is your conversation interrupted so your friend can check a text or social media notification?
I feel that cell phones are impacting our interpersonal development with friends. If you can’t be in the moment without having your phone in hand, it sends a message that the person in front of you is not that important.
We often neglect to ask how our friends are doing because we can just check their posts on Instagram or Facebook.
Human interaction is more rewarding
We all tend to communicate with friends through the internet. We text, interact with social media posts, use online messaging, and email.
So, why do we avoid in-person conversation? We’ve become attached to – almost obsessed with – our online notifications.
I prefer to talk with people face-to-face. I love to see people’s reactions, see their smile, hear them laugh, and share emotions that are missed by online interactions.
I have taken to keeping my phone in my pocket or purse so that I am not interrupted. My focus is on the person I’m with.
Create phone-free sacred spaces
When you have lunch with someone, don’t put a phone on the table between you. Show them you are there to listen and be heard.
I’ve create sacred spaces in my kitchen, at the dining table, during walks and hikes, and when driving my truck. When I’m hanging out with friends, I choose this time to be device-free so we can engage in conversation.
I love technology, I really do, because it’s a big part of my business. But I make sure I step away from technology so I can talk to people face-to-face. I love building real connections and enjoying real life experiences.
Put your phone down and interact with one another. Allow time for human moments and savor the pace of real conversations.