The “connected economy” is an illusion. The opposite is actually taking place — we are becoming less connected with one another because of our belief and dependence on the connection narrative. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat — they are all shortcuts. Shortcuts around the process of actually taking the time to connect with people at a human level.
This illusion is like swimming with a life jacket on. In a life jacket we are confident, we feel like we are one with the water. Likes and follower requests play the same role in the “connected economy.” Our 5,000 followers on Facebook and our 500+ connections on LinkedIn make us feel connected. However, the moment we are setting ourselves up for is the moment when we have to take the life jacket off and attempt to navigate the waters of life. In that moment we realize that we don’t know how to swim. It is in that moment — the moment in which we need human connection, when we really need people to call on — that we feel like we are drowning. We have spent our lives learning how to build relationships wearing the life jacket of social media.
It is not that social media outlets are inherently negative and have no benefit. Instead, I believe they are tools and should be used as such. Relationships are like building a house. To build a house you need tools — hammers, screws, nails. However, the most important part of a house is the foundation. The foundation of relationships starts with meaningful human interaction. The role of social media is that of a tool that we can use to enhance the foundation — not replace it.
I think connection and meaningful relationships are the scarce assets of our generation.