Connecting?

I like to think of myself as technically savvy. I’ve started this blog and, yes, believe it or not, I’ve created a MySpace page and a Facebook page… But as I look around me, I’m so behind the times!

Today there is an endless stream of opportunities to “connect” with family, friends, co-workers, the community… even the WORLD! And not only can you connect 24/7 but you can do it instantaneously. We can even SEE each other, thanks to video chat. It’s truly amazing and fantastic! Finally we have the means and interest level to branch out and turn our focus to life beyond our own borders. It’s exciting to see young people connecting with people in other countries, becoming friends and learning about each others cultures. The impact is far reaching and amazing.

As a rookie who barely knows how to use these pages, even I’m thrilled to be able to connect with my nieces in Florida and see what they’re doing, who their friends are, how they look, what they’re interested in… It’s great to connect with old friends I’ve not talked to since college… etc. etc.

However, with every great advancement comes “side effects.” The negative impact of which may take years to manifest. I guess in a way, it’s a basic law of creation – there is an opposite of everything: positive/negative; light/dark; good/evil. More often than not, you can’t have one without the other. Depending on your view, that can be a good thing or bad thing. That being said, with all the good this hyper-connection allows us I wonder… are we REALLY connecting?

Certainly we are on a basic level, but we’re doing it hidden away in our homes or offices. We’re not connecting with our senses – touch, smell, sight, hearing, and even taste. We miss the nuances of the voice, the facial expression, gestures, and the non-verbal communication when we’re not physically present while interacting with others. All of which add the corporeal dimension of a story or conversation… all of which bring LIFE.

I’m a solitary type - I enjoy being alone, doing my own thing. But I do need people. I do need physical interaction. Remember the 1959 Harlow study “Love in Infant Monkeys?” Those monkeys who were isolated from the others and without physical contact were fundamentally damaged and exhibited “disturbing behaviors.” The overwhelming conclusion? All living species NEED other like-living species to survive and function properly.

So again, for all the good, the internet, texting, IMing, Facebook and MySpace bring… in the long run, what will be the result? More and more we are isolating ourselves from basic human interaction. Today you can live – and live well – without ever leaving your home. In 10 – 20 years time, will we all develop “disturbing behavior” and be fundamentally damaged because we’ve unintentionally separated ourselves from other human contact?

"Moderation In all things" is a very wise philosophy. As we all enjoy and engage in connecting electronically, let's be diligent about getting out AMONGST the masses. Rub some elbows... give and get some hugs. Share a meal, throw a party... Just spend physical time interacting with people!