While researching some topics for the BLOG, I came across a very interesting article from the NY Times.
It’s from NOV 2024, but it’s very much still relevant:
It explores how our relationship with technology, especially social media, constant messaging back & forth (instead of just picking up the phone & calling), and binge-watching, may be contributing to rising levels of loneliness, even among those who are constantly online.
The article shares insights from researchers, including studies showing how teens often spend hours on social media without any real social interaction.
It really made me stop & reflect, mainly because the message resonated with me, especially in the context of what we value at here, at Mudita- you know, intentional tech use, real connection, and prioritizing mental well-being over digital noise.
I’d love to hear your thoughts:
Do you find that certain types of tech use make you feel more connected, or more isolated?
Have you made any changes to your digital habits that helped reduce feelings of loneliness?
Has Mudita Kompakt been part of those changes?
How do you define authentic connection in a digitally driven world?
Let’s talk about it I can’t wait to read what’s on your mind.
Many years ago I took a communications class / seminar. Something like 80% of communication was visible body language (or frequency, if you will). The rest was words and how they were delivered. Meeting with, and communicating directly with people is the only real way to get the full message.
Digital communication is certainly convenient. It is actually so addictive that I see groups of co-workers all on their phones as they have lunch ‘together’. They are actually isolating themselves with their equipment.
My wife and I worked in Silicon Valley for several decades. We never have had a cell phone, or i-pad before now. We just got a Mudita because the public infrastructure in Silicon Valley is absent any public phones or communication. Generally it sits on the counter, locked off, and gets to go out if we travel to a remote location by car.
We are retired, and walk into town every day. We enjoy the nature and talking to the people we encounter. Never are we distracted by a call, because we do not have a phone with us.
Our neighbor, also a techie, asked how we could possibly get by without a cell phone. My reply - how did you manage to get by for the first 30 years of your life without one ? Unstated answer - just fine…
Sadly, I think people that communicate too much via digital have actually lost the ability to genuinely communicate. Certainly AI will just make that much worse.
When I talk to my friends and family, they usually are messing with their phone, console, or tv.
Feels like it brought us closer to loud internal individualism, and very quiet external collectivism (loose ethics, morals, standards, and associations).
I can’t wait to read what’s on your mind.