In our relentless pursuit of efficiency through technology, we may be sacrificing a core element of our humanity: the unpredictable, often chaotic essence of life itself. While tools like smartphones and AI promise to streamline our days, they can inadvertently strip away the spontaneous interactions and deep connections that define us as social beings.
The Shift from Physical to Digital Realms
At the dawn of the new millennium, daily existence was markedly different. The internet was in its infancy, mobile phones were not ubiquitous, and social interactions were predominantly face-to-face and local. Fast forward 25 years, and technology has revolutionised how we navigate the world. Most individuals check their phones within minutes of waking, with the average person returning to their device around 186 times daily. Computers and their underlying systems now mediate nearly every facet of modern life, from communication to movement.
Screen time has surged, often eclipsing real-world social engagement. In 2024, Australians spent over two hours daily on screen-based activities, accounting for nearly half their leisure time, while in-person socialising dwindled to just 38 minutes. Young Americans now attend or host parties 70% less frequently than two decades ago, despite having some of the highest screen usage rates. Concurrently, surveys indicate a decline in close friendships, particularly among men, suggesting that as our reliance on technology grows, our interpersonal bonds weaken.
The AI Conundrum and Social Isolation
With the advent of artificial intelligence, our social fabric faces further threats. Many now turn to chatbots for advice or solace instead of confiding in friends, highlighting a paradox: technology pledges enhanced connectivity, yet in practice, it often fosters insularity. Increasingly, it feels as though technology dictates our social lives—determining who we encounter, what information we access, and how we interact. We employ it to "optimise" time, eliminate inefficiencies, and smooth over social frictions by minimising human contact. However, this quest for perfection risks eroding the very qualities that make us human: the messy, unforeseen moments that add richness to existence.
Unlike global crises such as wars or climate change, the remedy lies largely within our control, shaped by daily choices to prioritise the human over the technological. As we move into the second quarter of this century, here are actionable strategies to "re-humanise" your life and reconnect with what truly matters.
Practical Steps to Foster Human Connection
Remove Your Headphones in Public
Headphones have become a staple for many, offering comfort and distraction. Yet, they signal a barrier to others, reducing chances for casual chats and fleeting connections. Dr Jim Taylor, a psychologist and author of Raising Generation Tech, notes that headphones often distract us from our own thoughts, trapping us in a limbo where we neither engage with the world nor reflect inwardly. By occasionally removing them, you create space for observation, reflection, and spontaneous interactions, whether it's overhearing a relatable conversation or simply letting your mind wander.
Craft Thoughtful Introductions
In today's digital age, social interactions frequently start online, with profiles on platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn shaping first impressions. This has diminished the art of the personal introduction. Emulating Bridget Jones's Shazza, a well-crafted introduction—highlighting unique talents, shared interests, or humorous anecdotes—can lay the groundwork for genuine connection. It reminds us of the multifaceted individuals before us and encourages deeper dialogue, making others feel valued and seen.
Engage Across Generations
Social media algorithms often segregate conversations by age, with younger generations consuming news online while older adults inhabit different digital spaces. This age divide deprives all of valuable insights. Professor Hugh Mackay, a social psychologist, emphasises that intergenerational contact enriches both sides, offering fresh perspectives and breaking digital bubbles. Simple acts, like having a meaningful chat with a family member or inviting someone to a regular activity, can bridge this gap and foster mutual understanding.
Embrace Handwritten Communication
While digital messages are convenient, they lack depth. Handwriting engages the brain more fully, providing emotional benefits for both sender and recipient. Using AI to draft cards may save time, but it undermines the personal touch—the thought and effort that make such gestures meaningful. Regular handwritten notes, whether for birthdays or everyday encouragement, preserve neural pathways for emotional expression and add a personal flair through unique penmanship.
Read and Share Poetry
Poetry, as one of the oldest forms of social media, offers a respite from digital overload. William Sieghart, founder of the Poetry Pharmacy in the UK, prescribes poems to address emotional ailments, noting that many feel anxious due to constant phone alerts. Reading poetry aloud creates space for emotional honesty, reminding us that human experiences are shared across time. Starting with a simple poem can reconnect you with timeless emotions and reduce feelings of isolation.
Avoid Technological Shortcuts
Tools like self-checkouts and QR codes aim to save time, but they eliminate small exchanges that recharge our "social batteries," as Mackay terms it. Human interaction, especially eye contact, is crucial for emotional well-being. Opting for staffed counters or in-person conversations helps break social bubbles and reinforces that social contact is not an inefficiency but a joy of being human.
Be Intentional with Photography
Research suggests that excessive photo-taking can impair memory, with some studies showing that those who photograph moments are less likely to remember them than those who don't. While social media reduction is key, moderating your own photo habits allows experiences to embed more deeply in memory. Sometimes, the best way to cherish a moment is simply to live it fully, without the distraction of capturing it.
By integrating these practices into daily life, you can counteract the homogenising effects of technology, reclaiming the unpredictable, human elements that make existence vibrant and meaningful.
