We all spend a lot of time on Facebook and other social media networks. In this day and age, it can be a valuable source of news, connectedness, and more. However, it can also be a leading cause of isolation, depression and anxiety. For all the benefits of social media, there are a lot of detractors that people don’t think about. We are all guilty of it at different times — using our phones when we should be spending time with family, friends, doing work, or enjoying precious moments instead of capturing them on a phone to share with everyone.
When Geoff shared this video from Prince Ea on YouTube, I thought that it struck a chord with me, and so I thought I’d share it with you. You may well have seen it before; it did the rounds on various tech and news sites about six weeks ago, but I think leading into the Christmas and holiday season, where it really is a time for family, friends and togetherness, it’s a timely message.
It’s also timely, because over in the US, they’re celebrating Thanksgiving shortly, and I’m sure there’ll be a lot of people missing out on quality time because they’re distracted by their mobiles. Take a look, and see what you think:
What do you think? Do smartphones isolate us more than they connect us? Do you have 400 Facebook friends, but few people you could truly say are friends? Let us know in the comments how the video strikes you.
Are you finding yourself isolated perhaps, and in need of help? Reach out to organisations like Beyond Blu or Lifeline, or speak to someone you trust. The best way to tackle isolation is to walk out that front door. It’s often the hardest part.
Yep, loved that video, right on the money. I scarcely remember any details from the many online interactions I’ve had with Chris. But we had a coffee one time in Sydney while I was attending the GS3 launch. It was an enjoyable time with a great bloke that will remain in my memories!
Well said Geoff, I remember that too. I think we went to Coffee Pitt, and it was a good morning out 🙂 I think this video says a lot. So often nowadays you walk around and see people who should be spending time together (i.e. friends walking together, couples having coffee or lunch, etc) and they’re both on their phones talking to other people, liking pointless status or photos, and so on. I’ve been horribly guilty of this. Horrendously so. I _love_ my mobile technology, I really do, but it’s so easy to lose a whole day sucked into it.… Read more »
I have to make a statement. I really love my technology, but I’m getting sick of this smart phone epidemic. I’m sick of seeing people left and right staring at their screens constantly. People can’t even walk through the shops without stating at their screens. I’m guilty of it too. I’m trying to fix it. It’s just sad to see social interaction appears to be at an all time low. People mindlessly scrolling through Facebook and instagram liking photos and statuses that aren’t meaningful or important in anyway shape or form. I’m even considering dropping to prepaid to cut my… Read more »
Imma gunna say no, not really. Sure we can remove technology for short periods of time, but long term no, it isn’t just a part of what we do personally, its a part of society. I personally think that these holidays you should pick up your phone and have a good think of the apps and games you have installed, or better yet, factory rest your phone and don’t restore from a back up. Work out what you really need day to day, and of course, there is nothing to say you can’t also leave the phone home for a… Read more »
There’s a difference between not using it at all and moderation. People left and right can’t go a minute without looking at their screens. They can’t even pocket them any more. I work in a telco and the amount of people who use so much data is insane. I don’t get what is so important that you need to be looking at a phone all the time.
so I should put my tablet down and read a book instead?
Family and real friends first.
Books and tech toys a very distant second.
I’d take a book over a screen. Well said though.
pass
technology is the greatest gift society has given to the introvert
Nice one Chirs, great message.
Hey Chris, very powerful message. It really makes you think about how much time we waste on mobile devices and how we are now living in a more virtual world by viewing so much through the lens of a camera rather than just looking with our own eyes. In 5-10 years time will we only remember events by looking at our photos and videos backed up in the cloud?
yeah 100%, i agr… brb got a message