Michaela’s Muses: Be social or social media

Ever since social media began in 1997, people’s capability to socialize with other human beings in real life has dissipated.

When I was growing up, my parents didn’t let me watch TV until I was in middle school. And even then, it was always something educational on some level.

So most of the time I had to find other ways to entertain myself. As an only child, I didn’t have siblings to hang out with. Most of my elementary school friends lived to far away to ride my bike with, too.

The result was usually reading a book or a newspaper. Sometimes I would go out for a walk with the dog or ride my bike. But most of the time I read.

Lately, I have noticed that I am more conversational than some people would like. Contrary to what people believe my generation does all the time, I actually hate being on my phone when other people are around.

I think people have lost touch with true conversation. Whether COVID exacerbated this or if it was meant to happen all along with the development of the smartphone, I have no idea.

I do know that when I go to a restaurant or a baseball game, most people are on their phones. What’s worse is parents shove a phone in their kid’s face to shut them up.

Now, I am not one to tell you how to raise your kid. However, don’t you think they should have some interaction with people?

And don’t tell me social media made it better, because it didn’t. An app that was supposed to connect people near and far turned into a means to argue with people without actually confronting them.

I guess I would ask people to take a break from the devices. Go outside, talk to your significant other at dinner, hear about your kid’s day, etc.

We have to reconnect to nature and people. I fear that the antisocial behavior has ruined everyday life for people.