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Why We All Stare at Our Phones
Ever find yourself in a crowded elevator, surrounded by total strangers, and the first thing everyone does is whip out their phones? Yeah, me too! It’s like we’ve been programmed to avoid eye contact and dive into our screens. But wait, what are we missing out on during those awkward moments of silence? In this episode, we dive into the curious phenomenon of how our devices have turned us into social ninjas, expertly dodging any chance of connecting with the people around us. We chat about the funny little moments we skip, like complimenting someone’s rad hat or just sharing a brief chuckle over a shared experience. So, let’s take a beat, look up, and see what connections we might be missing—because sometimes, the best stories happen when we stop scrolling!
Takeaways:
- In our fast-paced world, we often retreat to our phones instead of engaging with those around us, missing out on spontaneous connections.
- Elevators have become our personal bubbles where we avoid eye contact like it's a competitive sport, and it's a strange ritual we all seem to follow.
- The moments of quiet we skip by staring at our screens might actually hold the key to meaningful interactions and shared experiences.
- Next time you're in an elevator, challenge yourself: look up from your phone and see if a simple smile can spark a conversation.
- Choosing to engage with others rather than retreating into our devices could lead to unexpected friendships and memorable moments.
- Reflecting on the tension and humor in those awkward pauses can help us appreciate the beauty in just being present with others.
Links referenced in this episode:
Transcript
Eyes down, minds elsewhere.
Speaker A:This is commentary from James A.
Speaker A:Brown.
Speaker A:I got in an elevator with three other people and we all did the same thing.
Speaker A:We pulled out our phones like we had been trained for this moment.
Speaker A:And in a way, we have been.
Speaker A:Four humans in a small box, avoiding eye contact with the dedication of a meditation practice, it's become ritual.
Speaker A:The phone comes out not because we need it to, but because it gives us something to hold, I guess.
Speaker A:Something to stare at and no doubt, something to hide behind.
Speaker A:It's easier than sitting in silence with strangers, easier than the awkward half smile, Easier than the head nod.
Speaker A:Easier than just being there.
Speaker A:But I can't help but wonder, what are we skipping in those quiet seconds?
Speaker A:The humor?
Speaker A:The tension?
Speaker A:The accidental connections?
Speaker A:The small chance to notice someone else's shoes or compliment their hat or share a half second when the doors don't close?
Speaker A:Right?
Speaker A:Phones make the pause go away.
Speaker A:And sadly, the pause at times is the point.
Speaker A:So when was the last time you chose to look up instead of down?
Speaker A:Let me know in the comments and check out more@jamesabrown.net on that note, I'm James A.
Speaker A:Brown and as always, be well.
