We all need emotional connection. Humans have a natural desire for connecting with others. Whether that’s with a relative, a partner, a friend, or a coworker, it satisfies the common emotional needs of being included, having a way of control over our lives, and being liked. When these needs are met, people experience well-being and a way of purpose of their lives.
The Loneliness Paradox
Despite knowing that we’re happier and healthier when we now have meaningful connections and interactions with people, we still struggle as a society to to effectively address the loneliness epidemic. The Atlantic recently highlighted these isolation issues in ‘Why Americans Suddenly Stopped Hanging Out‘, an issue particularly prevalent among the many younger generation. Widespread loneliness profoundly impacts mental health, resulting in significant increases in depression, anxiety, and suicide. While discussions of this pervasive issue are frequent, we now have not been in a position to shift away from our dependence on screens and the resulting lack of connection.
A 2018 American Psychological Association study shows that quality social exchanges enhance mental health and lengthen life expectancy. However, the pull of screen time over meaningful interactions and unending to-do lists take their toll on our personal connections. The average person spends about 7.5 hours a day on screens, increasing feelings of isolation. Over 95% of teenagers use digital devices before bed, contributing to poor sleep and better rates of depression. This well-documented correlation between increased screen time and mental health issues underscores a persistent paradox: despite knowing the risks, we proceed to sink deeper into digital interaction.
‘Screentime predicts depressive symptoms,’ reports the National Institute of Health. Depression has reached all-time highs for a lot of reasons, one being the screen-addicted age we live in. Humans thrive in interpersonal relationships, not digital ones.
Is Digital Companionship the Answer?
In the digital landscape, corporations like ParaDot AI, Replika, and other platforms promise to alleviate the ache of aloneness, by telling consumers that caring, romance, and companionship are only a click away. Digi AI also pledges to initiate latest types of relationships with their Pixar-character styled companions through its platform. These applications promise a way of connection, yet it’s unlikely they will replace and even complement the human interactions which can be essential for real connection. Instead, why not strive to deepen our connections with each other?
Unveiling the Power of Human Relationships
The research isn’t latest nor necessarily surprising. It is sensible. If we should not have healthy relationships our mental health suffers, and the link between physical and mental health is well established. It isn’t enough to simply be in a relationship nevertheless it is the standard of the connection that is very important. Enter John Gottman, whose five a long time of research have given us invaluable insights into how human relationships work. Dr. Gottman has developed tools that can improve the standard of our relationships, our relationship satisfaction and yes, our mental health. They might be applied across all sorts of relationships- friends, family, romantic. We must nurture these relationships and continually work on them- as hard if not harder than we do with our jobs.
Instead of turning to our screens when are lonely or bored, let’s turn towards the people in our life. Let’s make those connections that aren’t only more fulfilling but critical for our health and well being.
