Technological advances have made connections more efficient. Phone calls, video calls, and text messages have become increasingly accessible, as have online shopping, food delivery, and other online activities. However, while online distances have shortened, the physical distance between people has actually widened. Even with increasingly efficient online connections, loneliness and mental illness are more prevalent today than in the days of horse-drawn mail. We are deteriorating our social abilities, including hearing, vision, and emotional perception. Human collaboration and constant innovation stem from our social nature.
The change I'm making is starting today: I'm putting down my phone and chatting with my friends. I'm making plans to play basketball offline, go for a city walk, and have a hot pot or barbecue meal.
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