Re-Connections

Has anyone noticed how, despite the technology that allows us to be ever-more connected to others, we are actually increasingly disconnected instead? Cell phones, email, text messages, facebook, twitter--all great stuff, to be sure. So why are we left feeling lonely, isolated, and depressed more and more?

While this may not be rocket science, and I am surely not the first to state it, it's the compulsory and nearly exclusionary nature with which we use these tools to connect that is deteriorating the very thing these tools are meant to enhance: our relationships with others. Instead of actually spending quality time with others, sharing quality aspects of ourselves, we have relegated so much of our attention and interaction to electronic devices. Worse, we continue to do so when we are in the presence of live humans--our friends and family--sitting right there in front of us, as we answer and check our gadgets to see if someone else is there for us.

No computer screen, cell phone, or even video phone can replace the true sense of connection we experience when we look into each others' eyes, share smiles and laughter in person, hear and see the subtle nuances of tone, expression, body language, eye contact; when we offer touches and hugs of support, reassurance and affection. These are the unmistakable, irreplaceable elements that give us a sense of closeness with others.

What would it be like if we could collectively put down the gadgets to be fully present with friends and loved ones, and even new acquaintances who may become more, to truly experience the time we are so lucky to get to share together?