We gauge our happiness level by how fast the online connection is - and quality time is rated by if everyone’s devices can all function simultaneously. Rather than “being together”, we must all rush off to separate areas and watch our own shows and videos and games - because in this world we are no longer required to get along, or expected to give and take and share. Perhaps with that however, comes an unwillingness to compromise and adapt; we don't tolerate someone else's tv preferences for example, because we just go watch one of the other devices found in an average household today. Adaptability isn't our strong point because it's not required. Years ago, early in married life, there were squabbles and different opinions, and we certainly didn't love everything equally. That which the other person found amusing or entertaining seemed to be like nails on a chalkboard - and without other devices to turn to we learned to adapt. I often wondered if we would have made it if we'd had a bigger house and could go disappear away from the other half, but in a small place you can either go outside or learn to get along.
Of course, not all of this "progress" centers around how many tv's one owns, because we have been busy finding more ways to distance ourselves from the neighbors and members of the community. Finding online shopping so suitable for shutting out of the world, we are now able to go out and mingle with one another less and sadly I think, have substituted screens for people and places, local shops and faces. Interacting with Amazon requires so little effort and yet with each click we can shrink more into ourselves and our four walls.
But a delivery on your doorstep doesn't replace the fresh produce grown at the family farm down the street, or the sense of community and togetherness we may have enjoyed at the grocery store, library or corner deli. Those connections and conversations are being replaced by text confirmations and email receipts, and I wonder sometimes, will we look back in 30 or 40 years and see the our evolution away from others as a good move? It's tough to watch the closing of local businesses because they became empty, quiet, and unnecessary, now that we're too busy to make a few different stops. Is losing the mom and pop businesses actually improving our communities? Or are we merely establishing barriers to the simple, humble, daily connections which were once the essence and pulse of our lives.
Social Media: Does it Connect or Disconnect People in Real Life?
community first • marketing consultant • advocate for small business • lover
of classic cars • beach girl • believer that "together we accomplish more"
