Navigating the Impact of Technology on Human Connection

My name is Brandon Dion Wilson and for a while now, I’ve grappled with navigating the complexities of the world we live in. My personal experience with relationships, friendships, and even the dynamics within my family have left me feeling perplexed. I’ve tirelessly attempted to pinpoint what doesn’t align, believing that once identified, I could address these issues that are a result of that lack of understanding. However, I’m realizing that the way I’ve tried to exert that control is unhealthy. I’m beginning to acknowledge the boundaries of what I can influence and manage within my immediate environment. I’ve started taking steps, like letting go of social media, focusing on deepening my relationship with God, and strengthening my faith. But even then, there’s this immense desire within me to share my knowledge with those who might not fully comprehend the extent of how divided our world is today and how it “is” directly effecting your life.

Have you ever noticed how pervasive technology has become in our daily lives? I can confidently say that once you start looking for it, you can’t unsee it. Walk into a restaurant, and you might find a group of friends, heads down, engrossed in their phones. Ive even noticed within my own family, everyone might be physically present but lost in their digital worlds scrolling through FaceBook or Tick Tok disconnected from the world around them. It’s a reality many of us share, living in a time where much of our interaction happens through screens. A device that has given us so much knowledge and convenience but at what cost?

My early years mirror this transformation — I spent endless hours outdoors with friends, fueled by boundless imagination and play. Then, in the latter part of my childhood, I was suddenly thrust into the digital era, where screens began to overshadow the endless adventures and face-to-face connections I once cherished. Back then, meeting someone meant going out and spending uninterrupted time together. There were no distractions pulling us away, no constant reminder of missing out on what others were sharing. This kind of presence shaped interactions differently, adding richness and depth that seems to slip away as technology advances.

In today’s culture, documentaries like “The Social Dilemma” shed light on this growing concern. The real problem lies in the vast mismatch between the rapid evolution of technology and our slower adaptation to its impact on us. I constantly ask myself what will be the long term effects of our current societal norms. The pace of technological growth is exponential, but our understanding of its effects on our behavior and perception of reality is lagging behind. Social media and instant communication, for instance, trigger addictive behaviors akin to substance abuse, rewiring our brains for constant gratification.

Initially, we viewed our digital interactions through the lens of our in-person experiences. But as our digital presence expanded, replacing many face-to-face interactions, our perception of human connections altered. This shift is evident in our increasingly polarized political discourse, where digital interactions shape a binary view of human engagement. What’s concerning is the possibility that our digital personas might eclipse our real-life presence, especially for the upcoming generation. Is shutting down technology the answer? Probably not. We’ve unleashed a reality we can’t simply undo.

The first step toward managing this is awareness. Understanding how these digital interactions condition us empowers us to control our behaviors. Striking a balance between in-person and digital connections is crucial. Our true human communication — body language, emotions, nuances — is what defines us and builds our communities. We can’t afford to let this fade away. By nurturing this balance, we regain control over the influence of technology on us. These algorithms are based on human behavior, something we have power over. Starting small, like uninstalling a few social media apps, and consciously engaging offline can make a significant difference.

One way I’ve been attempting to uplif myself through these uncertain times is by dedicating undivided time to those I hold dear, setting aside distractions like phones. By immersing yourself fully in these moments, you’ll uncover a world that’s far from the chaos it appears to be, recognizing the inherent beauty in the life unfolding right before your eyes.