Currently our newly advanced technology in regards to cars, airplanes and the internet can be used to gain knowledge, connect us and strengthen our relationships with one another. However, many of our technological advances have caused us to be distracted, overstressed and even isolated.
The use of social networking sites can have both positive and negative effects. We have the convenience of keeping up with friends, family and business relationships however there is the argument whether some of these devices are addictive. The internet has led to some married couples getting a divorce and people have been fired from their job for posting on a site that undermined the person’s professional standing. Tonight’s dinner table can be silent as each family member is distracted by texts, video and email. As one business owner said to me recently “people are so connected that they’ve actually become disconnected.”
Currently, there are scientists and psychologists studying the possible ramifications of lives lived primarily connected to our so called techno devices which have separated us from human interaction. Yes, technology has extended so many good things for all of us around the world. Much of it was developed to save us time however it also creates more stress. Our lives are busier than ever. While consistently being plugged into our techno devices, we can miss the opportunity to spend that quality time interacting with those individuals right in front of us.
Today, technological advances play a huge roll in business and how we conduct business. There are apps and google available at your fingertips for easy access to the information you may seek. These are convenient and we are relying more and more on the most efficient ways of communicating. Your business can quickly become a commodity when not working directly with people. Once this happens, you’re just about the “rate.” When you have face to face interaction, you have the opportunity to show people who you really are. Your customers are more likely to trust you when they really know you. Essentially, you want to be the person that your customer calls when service matters.
The challenge is for us to remember that face to face interaction is the highest quality of communication and offers the ability to satisfy many more of our essential needs. We need to be aware of how much time and energy we give to our techno devices. Nothing replaces human interaction during social or business gatherings. When we are at the end of our lives, what will people remember about you? All your text/Email messages, successful video game scores or hours of Facebook? Probably not. It will most likely be the human interaction they had with you that will last in their memory.