Observations and Connections

A while back I commented on the fact that I often watch people so wrapped up in their mobile devices that they have no idea what is going on around them. They have no awareness of their surroundings.

Our society is changing.  Facebook, Twitter, texts.  instant messaging, the internet, the list goes on.  People, especially young people, are spending an enormous amount of time desperately trying to be part of something, to feel connected to others. I've only read a few articles on this topic and I plan to learn more.

What I find peculiar is that this very desire to connect with others, this need to be part of other people's lives 24/7 is actually preventing real connections from being made with people that are present.  How many times has someone you're talking to held up their hand to check their phone or mobile device? How many times have you seen two or three young people together that are obviously friends or classmates, and they're all heads down in their phones. They are ignoring each other to find about or communicate with other people.

Is the overpowering desire to be connected to a larger and larger group of people actually preventing us from having real substantial relationships?  I'm kind of worried that it is.

This isn't really a martial arts post, but it's something that's been on my mind. Any thoughts are welcome.

Here's to keeping it real.