UNDIVIDED ATTENTION
Times are changing — - In this new age where social media dominates, we find ourselves constantly plugged in, and find no issue with multitasking & giving our ‘divided’ attention to many things at once. As much as multitasking has a positive side to it, it also can be detrimental to the kind of connections and interactions we have with people and things around us.
When’s the last time you went out with a group of friends and put your phone away? As in really put it away, not waiting for the next time it’s going to go off with a notification, not anticipating a call/text, just completely out of sight. When’s the last time you sat across from your group of friends where everyone had their phone out of sight and did not satisfy the urge to take it out and mindlessly use it while hanging out? Personally, I don’t experience this often. I can barely think of times where I spent a few hours with a friend — old or new — where I just focused all my attention to that interaction. I’m either subconsciously reaching for my phone, aware of every vibration, and instantly turn my head when it lights up. And I don’t often question these actions because of they’re subconscious but now I’m starting to consciously question them and look at them from a different POV.
I’m realizing how my interactions with people in real life are affected when my attention is divided. There’s something so organic about looking someone in the eye, stripping away all the unnecessary distractions and genuinely connecting with the people right in front of you. It’s almost like how physical touch is so powerful and raw — the power of a hug when you need comforting, or a hand squeeze — that kind of raw organic intimacy. I feel like we’re slowly losing that due to our attachment to our devices and the virtual world of social media. I didn’t realize how much I missed having a conversation and not checking my phone for a new notification or just opening it to make sure I didn’t miss anything — knowing well that nothing I’m looking for is of much significance.
This is not to say that social media connections are worthless and insignificant, because some are not. Just like some real life connections also aren’t as significant, it can go both ways. What I’m saying is, it’s wholesome to be intentional when it comes to connecting with people, especially when we are genuinely interested in these interactions. We think we can do both, be here and be there but no one likes divided attention. Everything in its own time. I think when it’s time to meet up with friends and catch up, or when meeting new people, it serves us best to be present and this is something that we need to get back to.
