Replacing Human Contact

In June of 2006, the USA Today posted an article that stated "Americans have a third fewer close friends and confidants than just two decades ago — a sign that people may be living lonelier, more isolated lives than in the past." This is a shocking trend considering it was before social media became what it is today.


In my opinion, social media is a great tool to connect with people that we ordinarily would never be able to connect with. For example, I have made "friends" across the "twitterverse" from all around the world; people who I would never had the pleasure of meeting without social media to connect us.  However, I can see how a person who does not have solid personal relationships, would use Twitter, Facebook and other social media networks to replace human contact. It would be much easier for an introvert to stay at home on the computer and talk to friends "out there" than to inter-relate to those around them.


The USA Today article goes on to talk about how we, as individuals, are losing the number of people that we can confide in on a personal level. When we don't have personal connection and vulnerability with other people, it can lead to depression, alienation and other serious consequences.  Most of us are not sharing our deepest, most personal trials, joys and pains out there on the internet.  So, who are we sharing them with?  Are we making sure to take the time and make the effort it takes to develop real and personal relationships with people who we can be vulnerable with?

Our heavenly Father made us to need each other, to need company and most of all, to need Him. When He created us, He did not place us here alone. He wants us to fellowship with family, friends and most of all with Him.  Have fun with social media, form friendships, but don't replace human contact with twitters and likes and posts.