A lack of Empathy and Closeness

A LACK OF EMPATHY AND CLOSENESS
​By Brian Keith Shrewsbury

The rise of social media, smartphones, and constant digital connectivity has profoundly altered the way we interact, work, and relate to one another. While these technologies offer convenience and instant access to information, they have also introduced a subtle but pervasive erosion of our ambitions, emotional well-being, and the quality of our relationships.

In many households, the glow of a phone screen now replaces the warmth of face-to-face conversation. Family dinners, once a time for sharing and connection, are often interrupted by the buzz of notifications or the silent distraction of scrolling. Research shows that parents absorbed in their devices talk less to their children, respond more slowly, and may even overreact to interruptions, missing crucial moments to nurture and guide their kids. This phenomenon, sometimes called "technoference," doesn’t just affect young children; it reverberates through all relationships, leading to feelings of neglect, frustration, and sadness among family members. Over time, these small moments of disconnection can weaken the bonds that hold families together.

The consequences extend beyond the home. In the workplace, digital distractions can undermine productivity, fragment our attention, and reduce the quality of our work. Social media, designed to capture and hold our focus, often leaves us feeling more isolated and less motivated, as we compare our lives to the curated highlights of others and chase fleeting digital validation. The constant pull to check our phones creates a cycle of anxiety and fear of missing out, further distancing us from meaningful, in-person interactions.\

Perhaps most concerning is the impact on our capacity for empathy and emotional intelligence. Digital communication strips away the subtle cues-tone of voice, facial expressions, body language-that are essential for understanding and connecting with others on a deeper level. Without these cues, misunderstandings multiply, and our ability to relate to one another with compassion and nuance diminishes. Children, especially, are vulnerable; when parents are distracted by screens, children may feel ignored or undervalued, leading to emotional and behavioral problems and a greater reliance on their own devices for comfort and connection.

While technology is not inherently harmful, our over-reliance on it is quietly reshaping the fabric of our lives. It is making us less present, less connected, and, in many ways, less caring. The challenge before us is to reclaim our attention, prioritize real conversations, and set boundaries around our digital lives. By doing so, we can rediscover the richness of face-to-face connection and ensure that technology serves to enhance, rather than diminish, our humanity.

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