There is a certain quote attributed to Albert Einstein, though there has been debate as to its authenticity and connection to him...."I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots".
Ladies & Gentlemen, Boys & Girls welcome to the age of Smartphones. There is no denying that Smartphones have made communication so much easier but they have created a new nightmare - loss of human interaction. I'm sure once in a while you have been caught up in instances where every fibre of your being screams KEEP THE DAMN PHONE AWAY. Most of the time, I restrain myself from giving a pep talk on how it won't kill to have that phone away for an hour or two.
1. Out On A Date
Ever been out on a lunch/coffee/dinner date with someone you haven't seen in eons and they are constantly on their phone? That can mean one of two things - either your company is boring and they are too polite to let you know so their phone is a perfect distraction or they are too attached to their "online life" that human interaction doesn't work for them anymore. I had an evening meet up with a friend recently and they couldn't put their phone away so I decided to also "chomoa" my phone and get online. Shock on me, on a group chat, they were actually looking for someone to come join them for coffee lol {clearly I wasn't interesting enough}. I politely excused myself and made a mental note to avoid any future meet ups with them. As a cardinal rule, I always make sure that I keep my phone away when I'm having a meet up with friends.
1. Out On A Date
Ever been out on a lunch/coffee/dinner date with someone you haven't seen in eons and they are constantly on their phone? That can mean one of two things - either your company is boring and they are too polite to let you know so their phone is a perfect distraction or they are too attached to their "online life" that human interaction doesn't work for them anymore. I had an evening meet up with a friend recently and they couldn't put their phone away so I decided to also "chomoa" my phone and get online. Shock on me, on a group chat, they were actually looking for someone to come join them for coffee lol {clearly I wasn't interesting enough}. I politely excused myself and made a mental note to avoid any future meet ups with them. As a cardinal rule, I always make sure that I keep my phone away when I'm having a meet up with friends.
2. In Church
Nowadays, most church services last for about 2 hours max but you will still find some character in church busy with their phone during service. Don't try telling me they are busy using their bible app or taking notes because most of the ones I've sat next to seem so lost in their own world - giggling & making funny noises probably in response to their online conversation/something on their social pages. Imagine if one day you really need to have God's attention and He is busy tweeting/subtweeting/chatting with kina Moses & Abraham, how would you feel.
3. On A Road Trip
Taking a road trip with friends/family/colleagues once in a while is so refreshing. I love road trips and have taken quite a few in the years gone by. The best part about a road trip is you get to explore new scenery and take photos of some of the most amazing features you have ever come across. The essence of a road trip is however defeated if everyone is busy on their phones chatting away or going through their social media posts. How do you expect to notice beautiful nature when your head is buried in your phone?
4. At The Dinner Table
I don't know about you, but I love small talk while at the dinner table - it allows bonding. You get to talk about light matters, catch up on how the day has been etc etc. {This is done obviously observing basic etiquette like not talking with food in your mouth}. Having your phone at the dinner table creates a disconnect from all this, everyone is their own little world.
N/B: All images courtesy of google
Taking a road trip with friends/family/colleagues once in a while is so refreshing. I love road trips and have taken quite a few in the years gone by. The best part about a road trip is you get to explore new scenery and take photos of some of the most amazing features you have ever come across. The essence of a road trip is however defeated if everyone is busy on their phones chatting away or going through their social media posts. How do you expect to notice beautiful nature when your head is buried in your phone?
4. At The Dinner Table
I don't know about you, but I love small talk while at the dinner table - it allows bonding. You get to talk about light matters, catch up on how the day has been etc etc. {This is done obviously observing basic etiquette like not talking with food in your mouth}. Having your phone at the dinner table creates a disconnect from all this, everyone is their own little world.
N/B: All images courtesy of google