You probably don’t need another article about how awkward things could be in the digital age. The internet’s a great place to find everything from mind-mapping to cat memes and inviting photos of destination races. But it isn’t so great for making (or keeping) friends. Online, we’re simultaneously hyperconnected but, in many cases, socially isolated. As a result, we have to be more human in the age of technology.
It’s easy to feel like the world is full of disembodied avatars talking at each other instead of with each other. We are humans, after all—not robots or drones or algorithms or AIs. Still, humans must remember to be more human if we want to create a kinder and better place than currently exists. So, how do we do that? Let’s look at ways you can be more human in the information age.
Be more present
Being ‘present’ isn’t unique to the info age. But it’s something that’s easy to lose sight of in the digital fog. Technology is packed with distractions, and it’s easy to get sucked into spending hours scrolling aimlessly through feeds and feeds of content without even realizing it. This isn’t just a time-waster. It also makes it much harder to stay connected to the people you care about and make good memories with them. So, being more present means paying attention to people when you’re with them—and not looking at your mobile devices.
Be more empathetic
The internet is a place of extremes. As a result, it’s easy to fall into the trap of seeing everything as a black-and-white issue. You may find yourself on the wrong side of that trap. You may find yourself in the middle of a heated debate that has more to do with winning than finding common ground. Being empathetic doesn’t mean you give up your right to have an opinion. But it means you also make sure to check yourself. It means realizing the other person has a right to how they view the world—even when it’s different than your ideas.
Be more discerning
The more we know about tech communication, the more we realize just how much of the content is clickbait, fake news, or propaganda. It’s easy to let those stories and headlines seep into your mind and poison your view of the world and other people. Instead of falling prey to those misleading stories, try to be more discerning about the information you allow into your mind. Make sure it’s coming from a reputable source. Also, don’t let yourself get baited into clicking on or reading something just because it sounds juicy or exciting.
Be more intentional
Life, like anything, is what you make of it. You can spend your time online aimlessly wandering from one social platform and feed to the next. Or you can make an effort to be more intentional about the sites and feeds where you choose to spend your time. As much as puppy pictures and the latest dance meme are great, it means making sure the places you frequent bring real enjoyment and value. It means meaningfully looking at places for learning new skills that make you a better person.
Be more kind
Social media could be good, but it’s got a dark side. It doesn’t take much to realize how often people are cruel in words and deeds. It’s easier to hide behind the keyboard than to talk to someone face-to-face. Further, distance and anonymity make it easier to be unkind and dismissive of others’ feelings. After all, it’s easy to delete an unfriendly message or an unhelpful comment and pretend like it never happened. Being kinder means making a conscious effort to be more considerate and compassionate toward others. It means not just reading about issues but taking action to help bring about change.
Be more mindful of information
This one ties in with being discerning about the information you let into your mind. Being mindful doesn’t just mean being careful not to take everything at face value. It also means being careful what you choose to consume and read. Ensure you only read and consume stuff from sites and people you trust. Be mindful that the information you let into your brain comes from a place of kindness and curiosity rather than fear and hate. The world needs a lot less anxiety and hostility.
In sum, we could make the information age what we want of it. We could choose to separate ourselves from others or intentionally move toward them. Each of us has an opportunity to become a better person. We just have to want to do it. If you want to be more human and intentional, join me in being the change.
© 2022 Wayne Elsey. All Rights Reserved.