• About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Shop Merch
SWHELPER
  • Login
  • Home
  • Opinion
  • News
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Health
  • Mental Health
  • LGBTQ
  • Justice
No Result
View All Result
Post Jobs
Subscribe
  • Home
  • Opinion
  • News
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Health
  • Mental Health
  • LGBTQ
  • Justice
No Result
View All Result
SWHELPER
No Result
View All Result
ADVERTISEMENT
Home Health Mental Health

How to Be Truly Connected to People in Our Technology Obsessed World

Nicola SmithbyNicola Smith
08/15/2017
in Mental Health, Technology
0
How to Be Truly Connected to People in Our Technology Obsessed World
0
SHARES
0
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

technology fast

It’s early morning and your alarm has just sounded its daily wake-up chime. Without thinking about it, you reach straight for your phone and scroll through social media seeing what all your friends and favourite celebrities have been up to since you last scrolled your feed 7 hours ago.

A notification pops up, it’s the little head and a plus sign, you’ve got a new follower! Filled with an immediate rush of endorphins, you head to their page to snoop some of their recent photos, leave a few likes, post some meaningful comments and follow them back. ‘Wow, we have a lot in common, and they don’t live too far away from me!’ you think. When your new follower reciprocates with interaction on your account it the coming days, you’re sure you’ve made a new virtual, perhaps soon to be in-person, friend.

A week passes and you remember that you should message that new follower to see if they’d like to catch up some time and then the realization hits — you’ve been unfollowed and you can’t help but feel disheartened by thinking your previous interactions on social media were more than a vain ploy for more likes, more comments, and more followers. It’s a vicious cycle, and it’s making us forget how to truly connect with people in today’s technology obsessed world.

Sure, technology has completely changed our lives and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities that technology has brought me. Writing this article on my laptop from home, for instance, once wouldn’t have been possible without the internet and all the information available at our fingertips.

The question remains though, how do we properly connect with people beyond our laptop screens and the often-false nature of social media? Here are a few ways to authentically connect with like-minded people in-person, just like our parents and grandparents used to.

Smile

Smiling is powerful. It indicates to the world that you’re open to meeting new people and starting a conversation. Even if it’s a friendly nod as you run or bike past someone, it fosters what we all ultimately want — connection and belonging. As Paul Ekman, one of the world’s leading experts on facial expressions found, ‘smiles are cross-cultural and have the same meaning in different societies.’

Next time you’re thinking of ordering your food or coffee through an app on your phone, take the extra time to visit your favourite coffee shop or restaurant and order in-person. Walking into a space with a positive outlook and a smile on your face will bring other high vibe people into your world.

Find local meet-ups or activities that like-minded people attend

This might seem counter-intuitive, but hear me out! Use technology to find ways that will help you connect with like-minded people. Search for local meet-ups, a new gym class or in-person educational class or training and sign up. Don’t overthink it! Just sign up, show up and see who you meet along the way. Being in a room of like-minded people instantly gives you something to talk about and helps foster connections that you wouldn’t otherwise find scrolling through your newsfeed.

Turn off notifications

A 2016 study by dscout, found we touch our phones about 2,617 times a day! The constant ding and beep of our devices has made our attention spans short and interrupts us when we’re working, and more importantly when we’re spending time with loved ones or out making new friends.

Give yourself time each day, or each week if that’s where you need to start, with phone notifications turned off. Not having the constant buzz of phone notifications will allow you to actively listen to conversations and properly appreciate your surroundings when you’re out and about.

Just say yes

When someone invites you to a new place, new activity or on an adventure, just say yes. Don’t overthink things and see what new opportunities and people come into your life as a result of getting out and about in the world. This doesn’t mean you should be constantly running around with no down time, but when someone suggests that you grab that coffee ‘sometime’ or asks you to fill in on the social soccer team, just make a plan and stick to it.

Learn to be on your own without technology

This also relates to the point above. Saying yes to meeting new people and putting yourself out there by attending local events or classes doesn’t mean you must be constantly out and about. If you’re an introvert or know you need some downtime by yourself each week, schedule it into your calendar. Knowing you have that set time each week to unplug and read or book or get outside and exercise will help with recharging your energy. After all, once we can be by ourselves without constantly checking our phones, we’re going to be so much better at connecting with people in-person too.

While technology has helped us do things we never thought possible, taking the time to experience the world without being constantly tethered to your device, observing your surroundings and making the effort to meet like-minded people will help you truly connect with people.

Share this:

  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
Tags: notificationssmart phonesSocial MediaTechnology
Previous Post

How Republican Plans to Cut Obamacare and Medicaid Hurt Older Americans

Next Post

A Teacher’s Response to Charlottesville for Social Workers in Practice with People with Disabilities

Next Post
A Teacher’s Response to Charlottesville for Social Workers in Practice with People with Disabilities

A Teacher’s Response to Charlottesville for Social Workers in Practice with People with Disabilities

Please login to join discussion
ADVERTISEMENT

Featured Jobs

Assistant Professor, Violence Against Women Cluster
Orlando, FL - University of Central Florida
The OpportunityThe University of Central Florida (...
Bilingual Spanish Speaking SCR CWS - Child Welfare Specialist - Chicago - Upward Mobility Job Details | State of Illinois
Chicago, IL - State of Illinois
Bilingual Spanish Speaking SCR CWS - Child Welfare...
Foster Care Social Worker (Trainee/Full Performance)
Arlington, VA - Arlington County Government
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 8/07/2025, 11:59 PM The Chil...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Pittsford, NY - Optum
Psychiatry Services of New York, part of Optum fam...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Appleton WI
Appleton, WI - Optum
Sherman Counseling, part of the Optum family of bu...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LISW-CP)
North Charleston, SC - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, LPC, LMFT)
Port Washington, WI - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented therapist...
Division Chief, Maternal and Fetal Medicine
San Antonio, TX - Curative
The Executive & Academic Search team with Doxi...
MSW Social Worker
Chatsworth, CA - Optum
For those who want to invent the future of health ...
LICSW Clinical Supervisor - Mankato MN
Mankato, MN - Optum
CARE Counseling, part of the Optum family of busin...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (REMOTE)
Gig Harbor, WA - LifeStance Health
Sign-On Bonus!We are actively looking to hire tale...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (REMOTE)
Olympia, WA - LifeStance Health
Sign-On Bonus!We are actively looking to hire tale...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (REMOTE)
Sammamish, WA - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Licensed ...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (REMOTE)
Bothell, WA - LifeStance Health
Sign-On Bonus!We are actively looking to hire tale...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Edmonds, WA - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Licensed ...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Renton, WA - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Licensed ...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (REMOTE)
Lakewood, WA - LifeStance Health
Sign-On Bonus!We are actively looking to hire tale...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Outpatient
Jacksonville, FL - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Bristol, TN - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Nashville, TN - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Knoxville, TN - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Assistant Professor of Law and Advocacy with Children, Youth and Families
Santa Clara, CA - Santa Clara University
Position Type:Assistant Professor of Law and Advoc...
Geriatric Social Worker
Brockton, MA - Harbor Health Services Inc
Harbor Health  operates two PACE/Elder Servic...
Associate Director for the Wilks Institute of Leadership & Service
Oxford, OH - Miami University
Job Description Summary The Associate Director is ...
Social Worker - Field - Dougherty County, GA
Atlanta, GA - CVS Health
At CVS Health, we're building a world of health ar...
Social Worker - Field - Carroll County, GA
Atlanta, GA - CVS Health
At CVS Health, we're building a world of health ar...
Social Worker Case Manager MSW Seattle WA
Seattle, WA - Optum
$7,500 Sign on bonus for External Candidates70% Fi...
Clinical Nurse Consultant or Occupational Therapist or Social Worker or Psychologist - Senior (Mental Health Clinician Evolve)
Bundaberg, Queensland - Wide Bay Hospital & Health Service
Location:    Evolve Therapeutic Services...
Crisis Social Worker
Monroe, MI - Delta-T Group Detroit, Inc.
Delta-T Group connects professionals with client o...
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
Bloomfield, MI - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Therapist...
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
Auburn Hills, MI - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Therapist...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Kirkland, WA - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Licensed ...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) / Clinical Supervisor
Wilmington, DE - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Outpatient
Baldwin Park, FL - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Outpatient
Lake Underhill, FL - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Outpatient
Oviedo, FL - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Child & Adolescent
Wilmington, DE - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Bloomfield, MI - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Therapist...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Auburn Hills, MI - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Therapist...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Timonium, MD - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Chevy Chase, MD - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Millersville, MD - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Georgetown, KY - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Wilmington, DE - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Claymont, DE - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Social Worker MSW 1
Dallas, TX - Baylor Scott & White Health
*Location: Baylor University Medical Center, Dalla...
Psychotherapist/Social Worker Palliative Care
Seattle, WA - Providence
The Palliative Care Services Psychotherapist/Socia...
School Health Social Worker - Partial Year (Full Time, Day shift)
Miami, FL - Nicklaus Children's Health System
Description Job Summary The School Health Social...
PERMANENCY SPECIALIST - SPRINGFIELD Job Details | State of Illinois
Springfield, IL - State of Illinois
PERMANENCY SPECIALIST - SPRINGFIELDWe continually ...
TRIO Academic Coordinator (Student Services Generalist)
Gary, IN - Indiana University
TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally...
View All JobsPost a Job
Powered by

  • Ending the Therapeutic Relationship: Creative Termination Activities

    Ending the Therapeutic Relationship: Creative Termination Activities

    94 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • What Feelings Are In Your Heart: An Art Therapy Exercise for Kids

    694 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Biopsychosocial Perspective to Mental Health and Illness

    3 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Stages of Development: Aging Across the Life Span

    580 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • My Journey as a Teacher and the Future of Education

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
ADVERTISEMENT
SWHELPER

We bring content to support you and the people you care about in their various stages of life. If you are searching in google on how to help or assist a loved one or yourself, check out our content.

LEARN MORE »

  • Terms of Service
  • Article Submissions
  • Advertising
  • Shop Merch

© 2024 SWHELPER.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Subscribe
  • Category
    • Business
    • Culture
    • Economy
    • Lifestyle
    • Health
    • Travel
    • Opinion
    • Politics
    • Tech
    • World
  • Find/Post Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Shop Merch

© 2024 SWHELPER.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
 

Loading Comments...
 

You must be logged in to post a comment.

    If You Enjoyed This Post
    Join Our Newsletter
    Subscribe
    Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime.
    Close