Saving Time, Yet Growing Lonelier
These days, there’s not much that can’t be delivered to your door in two hours. Companies are making a killing by removing you from shopping in their store. “Let our professional shopper save you time and energy.”
Groceries delivered. Check!
Housewares, pharmaceuticals, toiletries...you name it and it probably can be delivered.
I don’t have to fight crowds or lines to get my groceries. It saves me so much time!
With all this ease at my fingertips, what is the problem?
Technology provides a perceived infinite supply of information, screen-sized social interaction, and ease.
Social media provides constant updates of my friends’ whereabouts and food choices.
Asking someone on the street for directions is passé. My phone can direct my every step!
As a result, I find myself being propelled headlong into an isolated, individualistic society. I could go days without seeing another soul face to face.
So, what is so bad about that?
Studies show a growing number of Americans are feeling a deep loneliness. “Generation Z” is among the loneliest in the nation. This is affecting our health and sense of well-being.
“Nearly half of Americans report sometimes or always feeling alone (46 percent) or left out (47 percent).” [1]
“Only around half of Americans (53%) say they have meaningful, daily face-to-face social interactions, including an extended conversation with a friend or spending quality time with family.” [2]
The craving for community is evident. I can see how this way of life is causing me to withdraw even more from society. It is too easy for me to go about my day in isolation.
A “DANGER!” sign keeps flashing in my mind.
God designed human beings to live in community. The first thing He identified in creation as NOT being good was for Adam to be alone (Genesis 2:18). And God met that need by creating a companion for Adam in the person of Eve.
Now with 7.6 billion sons of Adam and daughters of Eve living on Planet Earth, how is it that we are increasingly lonely?
If I want to live to the fullest, I have to do it God’s way. He is the architect. Community has always been part of His plan for our growth and joy. And it needs to be my priority.
So...should I forgo ordering my groceries online?
No way; that saves me four hours of craziness!
But... maybe I should consider taking the time I saved by ordering online and reinvest it into my “face-to-face” meaningful relationships.
Because I believe that would be considered “VERY GOOD.”
Written by Kori, LIFE Staff Member
[1] https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8294451-cigna-us-loneliness-survey/
[2] https://www.marketwatch.com/story/america-has-a-big-loneliness-problem-2018-05-02