"We have to renegotiate our relationship with technology, creating space in our lives without our devices so we can be more present with one another."
What do you think we're doing on those devices? Talking to people, being less lonely.
Surgeon General: We Have Become a Lonely Nation. It’s Time to Fix That. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/30/opinion/loneliness-epidemic-america.html?smid=tw-share
@jeffjarvis written by someone who clearly does not understand that humans have been finding ways to be in the same room or in public not interacting with each other since the start of rooms. May I introduce him to books and newspapers (I mean, you could create a whole people blocking cone with an open newspaper). People are lonely because of capitalism and not having enough time to chill with friends and family, and because advertising keeps telling us we're not beautiful/rich/perfect enough to be loved (even if we buy all the things meant to solve this) and that being vulnerable (essential for intimacy) means you are weak and deserve to be harmed. Capitalism is making us lonely, not phones or the internet (which are means to communicate with each other but capitalism has turned them into marketing tools and us into product trying to market ourselves as we fight for attention as a poor substitute for intimate connection and truly being seen and accepted).
@fifilamoura @jeffjarvis It’s kind of a mixed bag. It is absolutely true that the Internet let’s me interact with folks from around the world and let’s me hear from people and perspectives I never would otherwise. It lets marginalized people find support. That is absolutely invaluable.
But it is also true that we spend less time with people in our physical community and that has downsides. When I walk into a house where I’ve got a patient who’s primary social interaction is Facebook and cable news it’s not the same as someone who’s interacting with their neighbors (of course the opposite is true too, the internet can let them keep in touch with family they’d never see otherwise).
It doesn’t help that a lot of our media based interactions are very purposefully designed to divide and anger.
I can’t draw a direct line between lack of community interaction and volunteerism, but it does feel like we’re finding it increasingly difficult to recruit for our local EMS and Fire services.
Like I said it’s a mixed bag
@jeffjarvis @fifilamoura I’m not saying you should be closer to your geographical neighbors, just that both have value. I interact with lots of Trump voters, I don’t agree with their politics but I do value the human interaction.
I am glad that we do have the opportunity to find rewarding interactions online, like I said, they’re invaluable. But so are in person interactions.
@jeffjarvis @Gbudd @fifilamoura I always say that geography is not the measure of our hearts. I'd rather hang out with kindred spirits online and not risk covid as a bonus than accidentally have dinner with nazis.
There's less small talk online. People tend to show you who they are much faster, and that's a real time saver. 😂😂😂
@Gbudd @fifilamoura
Who's to say that I should be closer to my geographical neighbors than those who share my interests here? My neighbors by and large vote for Trump. It is best if we don't interact. My connections, my relationships here are far more fruitful and rewarding. Geography is limiting.