Whether smartphones can make people antisocial per se is a question that can neither be answered in the affirmative nor in the negative. Which of course also means that they could, depending on the user’s usage habits and access to social skills. It is undisputed that the constant, close use of smartphones in many life contexts has an influence on overall and conversational behavior. However, a technical device as such cannot do anything to us that we do not consciously allow or deliberately do ourselves! Certainly, the use of certain content can also make us happier and smarter. And very often the smartphone is also very practical and helpful. But not only! It may be able to temporarily cover up an inner emptiness, but it certainly can’t eliminate it.
Loneliness, isolation, social coldness and depressive moods are already confirmed by science, at least in times of digitalization. We all know what Mr. Zuckerberg’s original idea was when he founded Facebook. To participate in the lives of “friends” without having to meet them. There are now many studies on the “thoughtless” use of cell phones and also on the use of social media. The journal “Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking” recently published a study by Austrian scientists in which withdrawal symptoms were observed after 7 days of abstinence from social media, similar to the withdrawal from addictive substances.
Communication has many faces, the most valuable is face to face
And the psychosocial and “interpersonal” component has some degressive facets, which are also reflected in the initial question. After all, people who spend an inordinate amount of time on social media are unable to socialize directly with other people. Everyone knows the scene: people sitting opposite each other and staring at their cell phones. This is a loss of direct communication for both the partner, friend and fellow human being. It’s clear that if you’re constantly looking down, you can’t look ahead and you can’t look at the person you’re talking to.
These many small amputations of emphatic 1-to-1 encounters have a massive impact on society as a whole. Here is a momentous sentence from former Vice President Chamath Palihapitiya, who was responsible for user growth at Facebook: “I believe we have created tools that are tearing apart the structures on which society is based”! We are more likely to google a restaurant, garage or viewpoint in a foreign city than ask someone.
Mindful consumption of digital media helps to make more time for real relationships
Children are born into digitalization with all its preconceived habits and at the same time forget how to have in-depth conversations. Chinese scientists have discovered that “phubbing” (made up of “phone” and “to snub”) can be a massive relationship killer that reduces satisfaction in the relationship and can even lead to depression.
Of course, the permanent screen gawker is perceived as careless, disinterested and rude. The cell phone is given a higher priority than talking to your partner. On the other hand, it has also been proven: If there are no smartphones on the table during conversations, they are rated as deeper, more meaningful and more fulfilling. We feel more empathy, regardless of the age, gender or ethnic origin of the person we are talking to. If you always feel that you are missing out on something when you are offline, you probably no longer believe that you can make up for these shortcomings in conversation or by BEING together with your partner. Too bad.
The blurred edge around the cell phone is called life
The aim here is not to demonize digital media, but rather to encourage media literacy. Because every effect has side effects, including positive ones, of course. If, for example, I can see my conversation partner on the other side of the world directly via video call, what a technical development! Mindful use of cell phones and digital media, including targeted online abstinence, can mean a gain in time, human connection and a reduction in the treacherous sensory overload. It is and always will be the same, especially when something seems to be both a curse and a blessing. The dose makes the poison! soulboxer 🥊🙏❤️