I have really made an effort this week, to not constantly be looking down at my phone or acting preoccupied while I am walking somewhere. I actually do look to see if there is anyone I know walking around me. The reality of the situation is actually quite funny. When I see people that I know, naturally most of them are on their cell phones or just simply avoiding eye contact. When I would call out to say hello, most were actually surprised and wee very pleased to be recognized, but also thought it odd that I would "go out of my way" to say hello.
I think it is quite sad that someone would be so stunned to have someone looking around and say hello and recognize them. I feel like this demonstrates not only our obsession with technology, but also how we have lost the art of face to face communication. Like we said in class, how many times when you are talking to someone, do you break eye contact only to check your phone? Being a nursing major, we are always talking about effective communication and its role in connecting to the patient. One of the criteria most stressed upon is the importance of eye-to-eye contact and how it lets a person know that you are earnestly interested in what they have to say, and also that what they have to say is important.
An example to back up my claim. This weekend I was talking to my friend about a health issue with a family member, and I was really upset about it. During my story, she received a text message, and not only did she take the time to read it, but she also replied before returning her attention back to what I was having to say. It might sound snobby, but when I am having a heartfelt conversation with someone, I was their undivided attention and it really upset me that first she read the message and secondly took the time to reply. I feel that our generation is just a preview of what's to come and that children born now will struggle with face-to-face conversations.
I also tried making a conscious effort to put down my phone and make eye contact or talk to friends when I was walking campus this week and last. While my friends weren't too surprised that I made an effort to say hello to them, it was surprising how many people will look away when you make eye contact with them. Estimating, I'd say almost three fourths of the people look away instead of smiling back or saying hello.
ReplyDeleteRelating to your story about your friend texting, when I was in high school my friends would do the same thing, in fact it used to be so bad that we would be in the same room but they would be texting each other in order to have a private conversation! I would use the phrase "be here now" with them. Its sad we have to beg our friends for the common decency to have their attention even when we are in the same room as them or trying to share a problem.
I always feel that urge to be doing something while I'm walking around campus. Even when with a group of people, I feel that I must be checking my phone or striking up a meaningless conversation with one of my group members. Also, since I don't have a smart-phone, I feel even more lame because I am deemed incapable of checking Facebook or twitter. At least then I would feel slightly important, even though I rarely receive notifications anyway. So I'm stuck reading my previous text messages or making it appear that I'm sending a very important message.
ReplyDelete