We live in an era where we constantly forfeit actual human interaction for a digital counterfeit. Dinner is had around the TV more often than not, the only time we have actual conversations is through a text message, and all of our spare time is spent searching for a more fulfilling moment through our smart phones.
We are plagued with the fear of missing out. In reality, the only thing we are missing out on is the moment we should be spending with those around us. We have become more concerned with our online presence than our actual presence.
Take a few seconds and check out the video that inspired this post. It’s a frightening, but realistic view of what the future looks like for the next generation.
Just so you know, I didn’t write this because I have it figured out. I actually struggle with this very thing… A LOT. My wife and I have even made a “No looking at our phones during dinner” rule because of our tendencies.
We have to stop buying into the false idea that there is a better moment than the one we are in. There is a reason you are where you are and you are with who you are with. Slow down and enjoy it! Stop letting social media steal the rare time you have with you friends and family!
There’s no denying that it’s much easier to participate socially online via Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter, but when is the last time you were reminiscing and someone said, “That was so much fun that time we hung out and spent the entire day scrolling through Facebook!”.
You won’t hear a conversation like that, because they don’t exist. Trust me, when we are old and grey we won’t wish we had spent more time using social media, watching TV, or playing with our smart phones. We will regret the time we forfeited with friends and family, because of those things.
Paul gives some pretty solid advice in 1 Corinithians 6:12
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Corinithians 6:12
I don’t believe technology and the internet is sinful or bad, I just know how easy it is to abuse and misuse. Like anything else, moderation definitely should be considered. I would hate to see the next generation incapable of forging valuable, actual relationships, because the only example they had was witnessing our usage of social media.
So maybe we should start setting boundaries? A time limit? I don’t think this shift in culture can be reversed overnight, but I do think progress can begin now. Next time we are spending time with someone let’s put our phones down and make them the priority. Our future selves will thank us.
Do you struggle with this also? What do we do to reverse this trend? Comment below.