This short video by producer Gary Turk has gone viral in the last 7 days. It supports the theory I’ve proposed that the digital technology we surround ourselves with creates barriers to interpersonal, face-to-face communication. His message is a source of inspiration to promote a Kickstarter campaign to get at the heart of this problem. My idea is to travel the country–over the course of 1-year–and interview people from all walks of life and gather suggestions for how to deal with this disturbing trend. My goal is to produce firsthand research and a documentary film that will inspire people to think and act differently. I have observed that far too many people are missing out on meaningful relationships that begin with learning the art of simple conversation. How do you feel about it?
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I absolutely love that this video is going viral right now. (Within seven days from 7 or 8 million viewers to 31 million, that is amazing!!). There is so much to reflect about, and I believe the tech-generation (Millenials) is not even aware that they are missing out on so many opportunities because they are so focused on their cell phones and their superficial social relationships. I met my husband in a traffic jam on the German Autobahn almost 20 years ago, and this certainly would not have happened this day and age, with everyone looking down instead of looking up and around and engage with people. This story is my story, as we were two strangers who have engaged in a conversation as every car on the three-lane Autobahn came to a standstill that lasted more than an hour. (Little did I know that I would marry that man 3 years later and we are still madly in love!)
This is such an awesome story! Both your story and this video share why it is so important to converse with people around us. I have thought that technology had been ruining social interactions for years. I have always been an outgoing person and take every opportunity I can to talk to complete strangers during my long MAX commutes, or on campus, or in a pub, etc. I met my best friend of 10 years at a bookstore. It is easy to start conversations if you just take the time to say hello. I have met so many other interesting people and heard amazing stories by simple saying hello. However, I’ve noticed that less and less people are willing to just, well…talk. That, or people are completely caught off guard or look at me like a crazy women when I acknowledge them. I am so glad that this video and our class is raising awareness of this issue.
I agree with you Mary. I also noticed that fewer and fewer people even make eye contact (those important seconds that connected my future husband and me when standing still in traffic). Wherever there is waiting of some kind involved, people just stare into their devices watching stuff that is going on in other’s peoples life instead of living their own life in the moment. It is sad that we are now the slaves of those tiny electronic gadgets, as they have been taking more and more control over our lives. I am not sure if this process is reversible. Even my teenage daughter is texting me from her own room while I am cooking dinner, instead of just coming down to me and have a real conversation. Sad… (I am working on it so she will be able to see the beauty of the spoken words versus the written words.)
This was an interesting video. It really made me think about how technology is taking over our communication skills. Most of us don’t realize we are doing it, but we often times choose the device over real people. My goal is to make more of an effort at shutting my phone off before I interact in certain public places.
I agree with Ashley, the video was indeed interesting. I will also think twice before getting on my phone while socializing. I also agree about her point that most of us are not aware we are doing it. The music and cinematography were well done in my opinion. Turk did an excellent job getting his point across to his targeted audience.
This technology is seriously a big threat to all societies, it is driving us apart and destroying our social life. The thing that annoys and worries me the most is the effect of this technology on the youngest generation; my 2 year-old cousin can’t take her eyes out of her father’s Ipad and Iphone. I think that we should do something to protect these kids from this technology that will ruin their lives.
Yeah, I agree. It will be interesting to see what communication will be like in 10 years from now, and see how technology has impacted the newer generation. At the same time, I get what your saying that we should do something to protect the lives of this generation, however there is no real remedy to this. Enhanced technology will always be a threat in the future, and I believe there is no real way to stop that, its truly inevitable.
I agree with what Spencer is saying here. There seems to be no real way of preventing this. Except, I do believe that technology now and technology in the future will have far more positive consequences than it will negative. Socializing and the way in which we choose to socialize has always been an evolving process, and will just continue to evolve. I also think one important factor to note here is that humans are not necessarily choosing to isolate themselves and not socialize in general–but rather they are choosing a new way to socialize. These social media outlets are allowing people to expand their social networks to far larger than they ever were before. I think having a large social network can be beneficial if handled properly. However, it is important to maintain in-person human contact, and to sharpen our in-person social skills because being able to be personable and relatable in person is what really will count in the long run–not the size of your social network online.
Yes i agree, parents in todays age just simply choose that as the easy route and neglect there children the experiences out of the outside world sheltering them behind the screen as much as possible.
It’s crazy to think about because technology has taken on such a huge role in our lives. Both positively and negatively. It completely depends on who you ask, because go and ask a technological phenomenon and they will tell you it has done nothing but improve our lives. Ask the average person and they will probably be on the fence. Ask an old-school person and they will list all the problems that comes with technology. As I’m somewhat an average person I tend to be on the fence. As a student, having access to multiple sources to complete a homework assignment or being able to communicate with my professors and teammates for an assignment is priceless for me (especially since I live 20+ miles from school). Being a mother I can see the implications that can follow my own constant use of technology and how it is affecting my 3 year old. After watching this video I started trying to cut back on the use of computers, televisions and phones to spend more intimate time with my husband and daughter. Even just over the last couple days I have begun to realize how much I was missing out on by constantly checking my Facebook or email through my phone or by trying to keep my daughter preoccupied through movies. Times have definitely changed and whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing I believe it falls in the eye of the beholder.
I think the part of this video that I find the most interesting is the bit about children growing up watching us glued to our devices. It is entirely true that they will learn from our actions, and it is something my wife and I try to eliminate from our household when we are around her. She has of course taken an interest to smart phones and Ipads however as everyone we are around has one or is glued to it themselves. I want our child to be familiar with and proficient in using technology, but I don’t want her to know nothing else. It is an interesting time in our lives, and seeing how they can advance technology further in a manner that is not invasive to our privacy and social abilities will prove difficult and interesting.
I thought this was a GREAT video. The video really makes you realize how technology is affecting our communication with people, our friends and family. I like how the video points out how people are becoming almost anti-social because instead of having an actual conversation with someone, people say nothing and stare at their phone. It’s sad to think about everything people are missing out on in their everyday lives with the lack of in person social communication. As I am guilty of this too, this video has really opened my eyes to make an effort to limit phone/internet time and focus on more quality time interacting with people, friends and family!
I thought this was a GREAT video!! It’s amazing how communication between people has changed with technology advances over the years. It’s sad to see people wasting time on cell phones and computers alone instead of out experiencing life with actual people. I have noticed how older generations are so much more friendly to people when they are out and about and the younger generations turn to their smart phones and don’t don’t say a word to people they don’t know. As I’m also guilty of spending too much time on technology devices, this video has definitely opened my eyes to make a conscious effort to put technology devices away and focus more on in person social communication.
I thought this video had great visuals to tell the story. I could have done without all the rhyming and poetry, but the message is clear, and the tactics creative. What’s most interesting about this social phenomenon, or maybe better to say- this antisocial phenomenon- is the fact that these very tools which were created to enable social interaction have succeeded in doing the exact opposite as a consequence. Speaking specifically to social media apps and websites, there is indeed gratification in being able to stay updated and connected to the lives of those friends and family members who live far away from us, whom we don’t have the immediate ability to see in person on a regular basis. I think this was likely most people’s initial reasons for adopting these types of platforms and various social media accounts early on when they first hit the scene. I don’t think anyone would argue that they would rather talk to a friend online as opposed to being able to do so in person (though this was depicted in the video, so maybe not), but as technology grows and evolves to make all of us more connected all the time, so to do the demands on that time.
In a technology-driven world, we can no longer use the excuses we once did to avoid this new level and type of expected demand. Where can one go but to a barren desert in order to say, “No, I’m sorry, I didn’t get that email. I didn’t have WiFi?” It used to be that people left their jobs and went home for the evening, to spend time with the people they care about, doing the things they care about, and that was the end of the work day. People believed in their freedom to do this. The act wasn’t subjected to quiet criticism, but that time is largely forgotten- that world no more.
I think there is almost an imminent fear among people, especially as it relates to their working lives, that in stepping away and unplugging themselves from all these forms of connectivity, something negative will result; repercussions will ensue. Because technology also makes us more competitive- in many respects- but specifically in the working world, now that all of these avenues have been created to keep us plugged in. There is always going to be someone willing to put in the extra time and working hours at our place of employment if we don’t choose to ourselves- if we choose to create boundaries for it in the eyes of our employers. Work-life-balance is incredibly important, but don’t let any employer believe you think so, has been the message I’ve received. As we become enabled to do more, and more often, it seems to be the case that we have fewer opportunities to actually connect with others in person, and so we become reliant on social media tools to feed that void and loneliness that comes about, just to feel some form of a part of it. And our friends and family members slowly integrate to become appointments in our calendars, just as everyday clients do.
Technology enables just as much as it takes away, in my opinion. I think we are all very quick to recognize and applaud all of the innovations spurring from it before we ever consider the consequences it may bring us as result. The whole world is set on this production grind and streak of needing things faster, easier, and more efficient. Instant gratification bound, if you will. The trend is extremely unhealthy. People should feel free to push back. I don’t know that many feel empowered to do so in the working world. I don’t think many in our generation of millenials know what it’s like not to be constantly connected in this way, having grown up with it all- and that is the scariest part for the future.
For positives, I will mention that I believe it was France that recently passed some form of governance that states no one works after 6 pm, or something along those lines. I don’t recall the exact details. Spain has similar beliefs and practices employed by their country. Some countries, it seems, especially European countries, are on the verge of figuring solutions to these problems out. For now, at least here in America, we are still a work in progress.
This video definitely hits home for me. I get accused of doing this a lot by my girlfriend, she’s always tells me that I’m buried in my phone too much. I showed her this video yesterday and I apologized for ignoring her the way I do from time to time when I get involved on social media and the likes on my phone. Sometimes (Not as often as me admittedly) she does the same thing. We talked about how we can stop each other from getting too wrapped up in out iPhone and help each other out when we notice this going on. I think the fact that were realizing our faults when it comes to this situation will help us in the long run to become a better more connected couple.
Touching comment Jake, and interesting that you admit to being the one who spends more time on social media as the stereotype is that women spend more time gazing into their phones checking their instagram, twitter, etc. Its certainly important to have quality time alone, and to be completely alone nowadays often requires putting the phone aside.
This video also hits home for me as well, except my girlfriend and I are glued to our phones simultaneously and either her nor I really mention anything to each other about it. It’s has certainly become a way of life for the majority of our society. Maybe I’ll bring up this video next time I find ourselves in phone mode…
This video is great, it really illustrates how important the art of conversation really is. I think of parents being glued to their devices is a horrible influence on their children. However, the future is technology and I think young children today definitely need to be aware of technology, yet not being a main source for interaction and communication. Honestly, technology is a great source to reconnect with old friends and acquaintances, and to keep up with current affairs, but there is simply no greater way to genuinely communicate with others through normal conversation and interaction.
This video is an amazing representation of what is wrong with technology in today’s society, which perfectly aligns with your intentions of your proposed road trip. I do feel that it is almost a hypocrisy though. This video has gone viral because people have shared with with their friends via social outlets. I can’t begin to say how many people I have seen share the video with the comment “I know this defeats the purpose of the video, but you have to check this out!” That being said, I think that this is the best way to communicate the message in today’s world, so I am happy that someone is taking this stance in such a powerful, entertaining and memorable way.
I completely agree with you. Without technology, there is no way this video can have been seen throughout. I feel like without this kind of technology, how do we express our feelings about topics like this, or any other topics for that matter, without the ability to blog or post to social media. With technology its easy to spread the word, but without it, I think we are confined to our own personal opinion. That being said, I guess without technology, the only way we could express opinion is through natural conversation. I am tossed…
Helen, what you said is so true. I can’t imagine living without my phone or laptop. Thanks to technology I can communicate with my family and friends in Canada, without paying my expensive long distance bills like used to be 10 years ago. Like every thing else, we need moderation. Find the right balance in our life and don’t let technology eating us up and forget about spending quality time with others.
This is a very well made video. It highlights the world we’re in today and how the smart phone may be hurting basic communication which is very ironic. The video is fantastic, theres no doubting that, though I found it a little over the top. I agree there is a call to have “cell phone free” times/events. Be it family time or when you’re hanging out with friends. But I hate this idea of the smart phone being the enemy we must fight against. I feel this a battle that will never be won. The smart phone (type) technology is not going away. The REAL trick is how to use the smart phone to be able to get back to basic human communication. If thats even possible.
I feel that although this is becoming a problem within todays society we can’t completely bash the way technology has changed our lives. I have a hard time completely feeling like this is technologies fault. A device can’t make us play with it, it can’t make us check the message it may alert you but it ultimately isn’t going to throw itself into your hand and force you to look. This is beyond technology and i would connect the use of technology and lack of face to face communication could also link to the laziness epidemic we are facing in our world now. We feel that everything needs to be available right now, easily and cheap. What happened to working hard to make things work and to work hard for what you earn… There are so many different aspects of the fact people are losing face to face interaction time beyond the innovation of technology. I do believe that we are lacking in f2f communication and are relying too much on technology to get in touch with people we care about, but it is up to society to want to change and i don’t see that happening because its too convenient for us to communicate through technology. I on multiple occasions after watching this video have chose to leave my phone at home and be disconnected from those via mobile phone communication and social media apps. I feel it is important to disengage from technology time to time but it has to be up to an individual themselves, society is too far in to be able to change the entire world before focusing within yourself and wanting it for yourself to be less involved with technology and focus more on people you truly come in contact with.
This was a good video. It really shows how technology can be a threat to our society and how addicted people are with using phones and other technology devices. I do try not to walk with my phone and use it when i’m in the presence of others. Its very disrespectful and the people in front of you should be more important. I also make an effort to call friends and family on the phone. Text messages and Facebook are nice option, but I like having that personal connection with others to catch up and actually talk with them.
What a great video! It really shows how technology interrupted our lives and how up-to-date technology have changed the relationship between people. I still remember my daily life before I got the cellphone and computer. I used to play soccer with my friends until very late the day, we played soccer everyday after school. We group biking to anywhere we want to. However, every thing changed after I start play on my computer and browsing on cellphone. I barely went out each week to meet with friend, I stayed at home and playing online game on my compute. Me and my friend communicate through text message or phone, we never really went out for fun. So, the technology really changed our life, totally.
I think this is great insight Jie. It really puts into perspective how much life has changed now that technology is so advanced and available at our fingertips at any given moment. I miss the days of playing soccer and staying out till the street lights came on. Now you have to beg children to go outside and play and its sad. My little sister is 12 and spends 90% of her day interacting with friends online instead of being outside playing games. Its sad and rather disgusting because kids are losing the best years of their life and don’t even realize it.
So I was looking at my phone the other day, just looking. It was like I was expecting it to do something for me without input, but I think I was just trying to think of what I was going to do next. I could have enjoyed the beautiful weather outside, or called to talk to a friend, but I was looking at my phone for other experiences, games, random facts found on wikipedia, facebook snooping. It made me rethink this video. It is not that we are forgetting about the art of conversation, it made me feel as if I was forgetting how to fuction thoughout the day. The dependence on my phone is made worse through its reqiurment in my line of work, not to mention their paying for it. It is remenicent of the phantom vibration we often feel or hear on our person, only to realize our phone is sleeping, not wanting our attention at all.
Cody, I am totally with you on that one. The dependency we have maneuvered ourself into is frightening. My phone controls everything, my to-do-list, my contacts, my appointments, my social life, my entertainment… everything. I wish I could wean myself off of it. But apparently I can’t. And like you said, if your employer is paying for your smart phone, it makes things worse and every sound and vibration alert coming from that phone may require your immediate attention. The only remedy to that is to completely disable alerts and only leave the most important ones on. That has helped me from checking my email almost every 5 minutes because I got beeps for every new thing in my inbox. Well, we can control certain parts of this dependency but certainly not everything. Still, with all the distraction the phone causes, it is still a great helper with my daily life. I don’t want to miss it. I couldn’t go a week without it. Maybe a day…
On my first date with my husband, first time that we met each other we went to Mio Sushi and when waiting for food to come, he pulled out his phone and play game. Since I know that he is probably nervous to meet me for the first time and I also know that he is a computer geek, I didn’t get offend by it. Instead, I asked what he is playing and we talked about his game. After a nice good meal we went visit the Columbia Gorges and Multnomah Fall. Sometime, I think we shouldn’t take it too personally if our love one entertain them self with their phone. My other friend is a golf fanatic and my other cousin is obsessed with photography. They would spend a lot of time doing what they love the most. So is it fair trying to stop or control what entertain our love one? If our kids become addict to their phone or tablet, maybe because we didn’t keep them busy enough around the house. Go play sport with them, bring them out with you, ask what they love about their game, get to know them and try to understand and accept them for who they are.
This is a fantastic video all around, and the message could not be more timely. I believe it was three weeks ago when we watched it in class. It was pouring rain that night, and Jack left us with the idea to “look up” more often. I decided that I would “look up” for my entire walk back to my car. I wasn’t 30 yards out of the building and I was drenched. But as I continued to walk to my car I saw a man standing in the rain. I walked over by him and I noticed that he was blind. He heard me approach and asked me “Could you guide me to a shelter from the rain?”. We we less than 15 feet from the covered street car stop (which is where I believe he was trying to get to) so I guided him under the shelter and out of the rain. He thanked me and I continued to my car. It then struck me that I would have probably not seen the man standing in the rain if I had been looking down at my phone. It really is amazing what happens when you “look up”.
Love how this went all around the social media sphere. I found it a bit cheesy but it was still poignant enough for people to share/pin/retweet it.
I love this video and have seen I a couple times before. It is scary how much technology has taken over our lives. So many people will argue in a good way but when it comes to social interaction it created more of a gab than a connection. I am from Germany living in the U.S. so Facebook, Skype and WhatsApp is great to stay in touch with my family and friends. But when I spent time with my family and friends here it is almost annoying how we sit in restaurants in silence all of us on our cellphones. People even started to invent the rule to pile phones in the middle of the table and who first touches their phone has to take over everyone’s bill. That makes this whole thing a little more humerus but it is still sad that we need those actions to keep us form our phones. I think the idea to create a perfect person online that everyone likes is so pressing in the current time that no one spends time being just themselves in normal life. When I go out for coffee with some of my friend I decided a long time ago that will not spent time on my phone I made time for that person so why would I make time to than spent it otherwise anyways. I also maybe have the advantage that I didn’t know a lot of people when I came here so to be open and social was the only way I could meet people, and let me tell you it is not easy. 🙂 I do hope that a lot of people see this video and change as it is sad to see that our normal iterations are being taken over by our phones and the internet.
I also attached a link to another article that connects with this topic that I really like maybe you find it interesting too.
http://thebluebanner.net/technology-obsession-creates-isolation-from-society/
This video has a lot of truth to it and it really makes me think about how it applies to my life. Technology I would say is definitely just one of those necessary evils. There are some things about it that cripple people and interactions, but it is also just a reality of evolving communication. Some of the negative tendencies associated with communication through technology are the fact that people tend to lose sight of how to actually have an engaging conversation with someone that contains depth. Also the perception of how it looks to interact with someone is slowly becoming acceptable to have very limited dialogue. However, on the flip side, communication through technology has also advanced the way people can quickly articulate what they want to get across to a large group of people. In addition to this, technology has greatly impacted the way businesses function and how consumers are able to participate.
I used to smoke cigarettes and one the hardest parts of quitting was worrying about losing the social aspects of it. I’m not the most social person when it comes to new people or even people who aren’t my closest friends. I tended to use smoking as both an easy in for social interactions with new people as well as an easy excuse to escape awkward social interactions. It seems as though many people, mostly younger generations, use their smartphones as a similar crutch. I know I’m guilty of this. I certainly agree with this message. We obviously survived without smartphones, before they were invented. Like the guy in the video, there are ways to get directions without smartphones. I recall asking locals for directions plenty of times prior to owning a GPS or a smartphone. And it was a great way to strike up a conversation with a stranger. And many times, conversations with complete strangers can be some of the most interesting ones. I also feel that I was lucky enough to grow up prior to the introduction of cell phones and other various technologies that consumes the childhoods of children these days. I had to knock on my friend’s door if I wanted to play with them – forcing social interactions with their families. I was also always outside, roaming the neighborhood, building tree forts, and who knows what else, just like the narrator in the video. It is quite sad to know that many children these days, wont have the same kinds of experiences and social interactions.
This video should be seen by everyone alive today especially the millennia’s. So many of us have been conditioned around constantly checking our phone non stop almost for no reason sometimes without even thinking about it. This is a sad reality we live in: everyone is addicted to technology and a lot of us do not even know it. If I asked the class to take their phones and turn it off for a day and don’t turn it on till the next day, (even if it wasn’t an absolute need for communication that day) most of us could not do it.
Technology has definitely advanced society in communication and aided us in many positive ways, but most of the time the negative affects are neglected and have been neglected for too long. Because the negative effects have been ignored this whole time, it is very likely people will become even more addicted to technology as it continues to get more advanced, especially with communication technology.
For things to change, people will have to develop more self control and awareness with their technology use. That may mean turning off your phone when you know you will not need it for a certain period of time, or leaving it behind for a certain period of time.
I actually worked with app designers to develop an app to help direct people towards this movement in a way. the app was called iRespond, and it was designed to text people automatically when you were busy. All you had to do was make a pre made text or voicemail that would respond to a text or a call automatically without you touching it. The idea was to have a text or a voicemail ready ahead of time, and saved to respond to texts and calls while your phone is on do not disturb (do not disturb can be turned off and on). So if your in class, you could have your phone on do not disturb and a voicemail or pre planned text could be sent saying “I am in class right now I will get back to you soon”. This app potentially could help self control people with their technology addiction, while still being attentive to every day necessary communication on your phone.
This is absolutely beautiful. I think our culture is heading in the wrong direction. The more technology we come out with, the further we stray away from human interaction. We are experiencing less because we are so focused in sharing with the world every waking moment.
I went to the coast with a group of friends a few months ago and we were watching this beautiful sunset right on the beach. Every single person was spending the entire time taking/posting photos to Facebook. I was appalled. They were so busy looking through the camera, that they never actually witnessed the sunset. They never saw the big picture. At that moment, I realized that we are all so concerned with making sure others know what we’re doing, we forget to enjoy the moments with are true friends, that are right next to us.
I would love to see some initiative in starting a campaign on ‘putting your phone away’. I used to say my boyfriend was ‘the worst’ with his phone because he would never respond. Now I use him as an example to put mine away and give whomever I am with my full attention – because that is what really matters.
I definitely agree with this to a point. I am needlessly attached to my phone; I was in Canada over the weekend and could only use it when I was connected to WiFi, and yet I commented to my friend that I still felt the need to have it in my hand when we were out doing things. That definitely surprised me. It is habit to have it near me at all times and I get anxiety when I realize I haven’t checked in in a certain amount of time in case someone needed to contact me. My friend the other day commented that, after she had lost her phone and didn’t have one for a week, it was refreshing to be kind of “off the grid.”
However, I am critical about the argument that it is ruining communication between people. I am a pretty outgoing person but to be honest, if I was waiting at a bus stop and didn’t have a phone I still wouldn’t talk to the stranger standing next to me. Having a phone lets me keep in contact with my closest friends in our busy lives when we barely see each other, even if it is just texting each other randomly. Having a phone lets me easy keep in contact with my sister who lives on the other side of the continent or my friend who lives in Spain. Sure, I’m texting them or catching up on their Instagram instead of talking to a random stranger on the bus, but I don’t really see a negative in that. I see the point that being on your phone instead of talking to your friends when you’re right next to them is a negative, but I believe sometimes people can be too critical.
This video really hits the bullseye. We are people who are so into our technology that sometimes we don’t even realize how much we are engaging in technology through our phones and computers on a daily basis. During my first two years of college I would say that I was extremely guilty of always being on my phone and computer. I have tried to make sure that I’m not constantly on my phone over the past two years. I try to live in the present with those who are around me. Meaning that I’m not constantly on my phone when I’m around people. I try to live in the moment and not be constantly on my phone.
I totally agree, this video sums up a problem that I believe all of us realize, but choose to ignore by looking down at our phones to distract ourselves. When Facebook became widely popular I used it all the time, but these days I am sick of the site and barely touch it. The only reason I even have it anymore is to talk with friends that live outside the US, since phone calls or texts cost absurd amounts of money for that sort of thing. I have become increasingly disdainful of social media because it consumes so many peoples lives. People are depressed and sad, but we never see any of the negatives of society because social media gives us a way to only show people the good times we have in life. This then depresses us even more because we wonder why we don’t have the perfect life our friends do.
I believe that the lack of face-to-face interaction is a growing problem and holds a serious concern. I honestly fear the repercussions of this trend, and feel that they will soon have a negative impact on the future of conservation, along with the way in which future generations interact with the world around them. It’s scary to envision a world full of people who fail to see the importance of face-to-face conversation, and lack the knowledge to communicate without the use of a technological device.
Recently, I have held a similar discussion with fellow peers (similar to my age range 26+) who have voiced the same concerns. However, it seems that anyone younger than 25 fails to see the concern for this issue. In light of this, I have formulated a few ways to regain the face-to-face interactions we have lost, and suggest that everyone tries them amongst their group of friends:
1. Treat your cellphone like an addiction- When spending time with friend(s), treat your cellphone like a cigarette; it’s a shameful addition that we all have, and it is not socially accepted everywhere, so only allow yourself brief breaks when checking it around friends.
2. Check your phone at the door- When hosting a dinner party, ask your guests to check their cellphones at the door, by placing them into a basket upon entry. Similar to taking off your shoes, it’s just common courtesy to a host/hostess that guests attend the party and engage with everyone who is present, rather than social media, etc.
3. No tech devices allowed- Host a “Y2K” event. This event is based on the fact that, NO technology devices are permitted. Ask everyone to leave their cellphones at home or in their car, prior to attending. This is a great way to socialize without the distraction of technology.
4. First phone gets the check- When out to dinner, whether it is with your spouse or in a group, make a rule that whoever pulls out their phone first has to pay the check for everyone at the table.
As a human race we desperately crave the interactions of others; we thrive on engagement and socialization within our communities. Not only is this a necessity for our health, it is also a common courtesy to the people around us.
Ah yes, I’ve seen quite a few of these videos on YouTube. Not that their bad, i’ve seen various “get off your phone and pay attention to reality” videos, blog posts, twitter posts, poems, songs, raps, etc you name it. I feel like as a society we’re barely scratching the surface behind the issues created from communication distraction. It’s even ironic that companies that produce smartphones, like apple, have recently added features like “automatic text responses’ and “do not disturb” functions to prevent people from getting over distracted by their phones. Truth be told, we all know that traditional communication can never be duplicated, regardless if you’re on a phone call or even facetiming someone, their will never be a more sophisticated way of communication that works as efficiently as a face to face conversation.
I feel as this concept has got more recognition over the past year. The feeling of being connected yet not “connected” is something that our society has to overcome. Since social medias are available, it makes it easier to feel connected rather than be connected in real time because every human being has the need to belong somewhere. Whether that be with your family, friends or co-workers, social media has made it convenient and safe to satisfy that feeling of belonging, and breaking your comfort zone isn’t exactly an easy thing to do. Regardless, put down your phones and look up at the sky, because at that moment you’ll be looking at the same sky that connects everybody together.
What an amazing video! Heartfelt and extremely emotional. It really got to me when the narrator spoke about his own childhood, before the internet and social media were the norm. I think many of us feel the same way, remembering our own youth and thinking of how much has changed. I read in another article that facebook can lead to depression caused by jealousy… looking at the “fabulous” and amazing lives of others through a screen, forgetting that people are very selective about what they share, and usually only share the good things.
The world is changing.
The technology is evolving.
It changing the way we communicate with other people.
It’s just changing. We can not say that technology is threatening us because we all are benefiting from it. What it threatens us is not technology, but how we use technology.
Everything had good point and bad points.
When the printing system system was introduced, it changed the way people convey messages.
When telecommunication system was introduced, it changed the way people communicate with other people.
When internet was introduced, it changed the way we communicate with other people.
So did social media.
Without those technology, we would not have the convenient lives we have now.
We should say ” we need to be smart to use social media”, but not “we should not use social media”.
Social media is just changing the way we communicate with other people, but not destroying the people’s relationship.
Therefore I think we need t be smart enough to use social media so that it does not control us, but we control it.
I really liked how the video was filmed and made, great cinematography. Though I quite disagree with what he says. I see technology as an improvement in our everyday lives, being an exchange student and living thousands of miles away from my family and friends, technology really helps me to stay close to them, to have news everyday as if I never left them, it helps us to preserve our friendship. The true thing is that you just have to be careful of not becoming dependent of it!
While I think that people talking on cellphones a lot of the time is a problem, and that they are missing out on some potential interactions, I’m not sure if the conversations that they would be having otherwise are all really meaningful. Yes, I agree that technology is making people a little more anti-social, but we have a tendency to make romantic the time before the time we’re in now, and part of what happens is we think that things were perfect. It’s not like people were getting into a lot of deep, life-changing conversations at the bus station before there were cellphones. They might talk about the weather, but mostly people were just there and being uncomfortable.
I agree that social media and technology are making our society more isolated and lonely. I hate the obligations felt to share your live with everyone around you, even people you don’t really know. On top of this I don’t think people understand how much private information is being collected by these companies. In this article, google is exposed as a law breaking, and is aggressively going after private information: http://www.salon.com/2014/02/05/4_ways_google_is_destroying_privacy_and_collecting_your_data_partner/. I think “Look Up” is a good slogan. Not only show people look up and interact with real humans, but as look up what information is being collected when we are online, or using technology.