A digital world creates a lot of connections. You can send direct messages on social media, engage with people’s posts, and keep up with current events. You can hop on a phone call, video call, or have a day-long text exchange.
While those are great in their own right, there’s something to be said about real-world social interactions. Seeing facial expressions in real-time, experiencing contagious laughter, and learning from others are all more powerful in person. So, if focusing on real-life social interactions is a goal for you or your kids, consider incorporating the following approaches.
1. Create Social Gathering Spaces
Communication in some forms is an inherent part of the human experience. As a baby, you pick up on positive or negative emotions and mirror them. The cycle continues as you age. But in a digital world, it’s much easier to become focused on yourself, making building connections harder. That’s why it’s so important to create social spaces that are optimized for gatherings.
As an adult, you may be struggling to know where to begin. You’re already so tired and busy as it is, how could you possibly add more to your plate? The good news is that you can do as much or as little socializing as you like. That could be a monthly poker night or a walk around the park with a friend. The point is to find ways to create natural, engaging social interactions that fill your cup.
Don’t forget about your kids. While you may be tempted to have a sleepover that revolves around screens, instead opt for something more interactive. A game night at home or making a craft can really engage young people. Keep the momentum going by getting outdoors. Consider visiting local parks. Taking turns going down the slides or pushing one another while playing on the swing sets, for example, can help them build a social foundation from a young age.
Once you have the framework in place, it’s just about sticking with it. Keep the poker game group chat going. Take the time to prep the crafts before your kids have friends over. Be intentional with your social time and create a space that encourages the same. You and your kids will be better off for it.
2. Limit Screens
Phones and tablets go with people everywhere. They’re mainstays of travel, doctor’s offices, and elevator rides. But always having a screen in front of your face makes interacting with others more difficult. Aim to cut back on screen time to foster better, more engaging human interactions.
That doesn’t mean you have to cut out screens altogether. It’s more about finding intentional ways for you and your family to interact without screens around. For some, that may be implementing no-screen nights once or twice a week. Instead of curling up to watch a show or movie, build a fort, play a board game, or cook a new meal.
For others, screens may be put up for certain hours each morning or night. That way, you can eat dinner together without distractions or simply focus on talking more. If you need to, don’t be afraid to eliminate temptation by locking phones and tablets up. Set a timer and plan to release them at a certain time, and focus on catching up in the interim.
It’s not realistic to think that people can be off screens all day, every day. Schoolwork, careers, and finances are all managed online. Fun outlets like social media and entertainment are too. Just remember that screens cannot replace in-person interactions all the time. So, cutting back and differentiating between screen and no-screen time can help create a more balanced life.
3. Review Data
One of the more jarring aspects of being chronically online — on a phone, computer, or tablet — is the data available. You can see exactly how much time you spend on your phone in general. You can also dive deeper and pinpoint the apps you use the most and when. All of that information can be eye-opening when you’re talking about social connection or lack thereof.
If the numbers are shockingly high, know you’re not alone. The average person spends three hours and 15 minutes on their phone each day. Of course, that’s not inherently bad. You could be listening to music or a podcast, mapping directions, or answering emails. So, it’s important to dive deeper into each individual’s screen usage versus screen time overall.
Start by reviewing your and your kids’ data as a whole and identifying any outliers. You may notice certain apps stand out as the favorites — like social media or games. Then, think about why that might be. Are you using them out of need, looking to get your mind off of something, or just aimlessly scrolling? Once you identify the why behind your usage, you can determine if the time spent is worthwhile.
If it is, keep doing what you’re doing. If it’s not, think of ways you can reduce your screen time and focus more energy on in-person interactions. Enable time limits for aimless scrolling or set an old-fashioned timer to keep you honest. Challenge yourself to find alternatives like chatting with a friend or grabbing a bite to eat with a loved one. These swaps give you much-needed time for human interactions, which can only help you build stronger relationships.
Less Screen Time, More Face Time
Parting with screens for good isn’t the goal. However, there’s something about talking to someone in person that just can’t be replicated. So, focus on how you feel about digital versus real-life interactions. Use that as a guide to determine how you prioritize your time. Ultimately, you’ll find a balance that feels just right.
