Friday 14 November 2014

Can you put your phone down?

In the last 10 years, with more and more people using smartphones, it appears that antisocialism is on the rise. It is very rare for me to go out and not see someone on their phone(s) -plural because reality is, quite a few people now have one, two, maybe even three phones!


I confess that I'm sometimes one of those people. Messaging friends on Facebook, WhatsApp, and texting is now normal for me. To some, I probably appear antisocial. 

Not quite.



As a HOH, it's actually easier for me to communicate and find out information through my phone/computer. WhatsApp is how I communicate with my husband when he's at work. Facebook messager helps me communicate with friends who don't have WhatsApp. Texting helps me communicate with those who don't hold a smartphone (a.k.a. my parents). Email allows me to write letters/personal notes to those who I'd like to keep in touch with.
 
Sometimes, it's just plain easier to communicate via the written word rather than in person.

Sad, but this is true. (and I think most HOHs will agree with me on this point)


In spite of this, I have a general rule: when I'm around people who I'm spending time with, I put my phone away. Out of sight, out of mind. Not an easy thing for me to do, but I still value the person-to-person connection. This is me saying that I appreciate those who want to spend time with me.

Anyhow, it is easier to communicate via technology than in-person for a HOH. Sometimes it gets exhausting just listening to someone else, and we miss out information. Other times, it's just hard for others to understand us (and understandably so... we can't really hear ourselves well), even when we're trying our uttermost best to be as clear as possible. Yes, technology has made it easier for us to stay in touch/communicate; but at the same time, I have to remind myself that human connection is still important.


The next time you see me, tell me to put my phone down, and I'll gladly do it. I hope you'll do the same for me. :)

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