While perusing the world wide web the other day, I ran across an article on loneliness. It brought up our constant connectivity with social media {and supposed resulting social interaction}, and yet our increasing feelings of loneliness. Because I am kind of old 😉 and have lived without social media, I thought the article made some really interesting points that my kids’ generation will totally have to face in ways that I haven’t.
The article noted that while the average person checks their phone “46 times” per day, studies have shown that 40-45% of Americans report feeling lonely on a regular basis. According to John Cacioppo, the director of the University of Chicago’s Center for Cognitive and Social Neuroscience, people are less connected in their communities. They move away from home and tend to rely on social media websites for quick connections. The result is higher rates of cancer, blood pressure, insert health problem here, etc.
Of course, the article suggests preventative measures to combat loneliness. It’s all kind of “duh” type stuff: get out and mingle, exercise {the standard cure-all}, call someone instead of texting, and taking a break from social media.
I guess my point is to just get the comments rolling in as food for thought. Do you think that the next generation of peeps will lose their ability to connect with people face to face because of an over-reliance on social media? Does social media make you feel less connected to people? More connected?
I’d love to know your opinions…
~Mavis
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