Interconnected
October 30, 2024
Writer: Kate Shapiro
Editors: Dani Eder & Ava Malkin
Photo: Pinterest
Early in the morning, as my ears are met with the irksome sound of my alarm, I open my phone, which is never more than 6 feet away from me at all times. It seems as though my brain is hardwired to automatically open apps like Messages, Instagram, and Snapchat to see who has texted me, who posted their recent weekend escapades, and what I have missed from the 8 hours I was sound asleep. The beauty and joy of communication are both a privilege, and a drawback of this day and age. I am grateful to speak to those around me at any time, any day. We are all interconnected. Yet, I also feel the weight of free communication with those from my past.
My phone allows for constant and instant communication with the people I love. We can share our innermost thoughts, funny pictures, and even just daily “hellos” and check-ins. I cherish the accessibility of communication like this; however, at times, the intertwined nature of our phones can tie me down. With a phone comes constant reminders of memories in the form of pictures, messages, and social media, creating many easy ways to fall back into old habits.
The dangers of nostalgia from old photos and text messages, the horrors of procrastination, and the clear disconnect from reality can be daunting. I find myself looking at photos of people who are no longer in my life, feeling a sudden urge to speak to them, to rekindle the love that the pictures emulate. To become connected again. The simplicity of reconnection we have at our fingertips also allows us to reconnect with habits and people that should remain in the past.
Reminiscing on memories can make us forget the true reality of some situations. We forget why people fall into and out of our lives, and we often overlook the phenomenon that “time heals all.” However, remembering why things have changed is important. Second chances, or even third chances, for failed friendships, ex-boyfriends, or lost friends might present themselves as beneficial or even sometimes necessary; while in reality, are often a setback. Relationships and the way we connect with others face to face, away from our phones, are important in keeping us truly connected to reality.
While I love my phone, I sometimes find myself wishing I lived in a time void of these technological advances, relying solely on face-to-face communication. I find comfort in romance movies with strong yearning and real connection, without focusing on “waiting by the phone” or not knowing how to respond properly to a message. Fantasy is a fantasy for a reason. Knowing when to text old friends or relationships, as well as knowing when not to, is an essential part of learning to navigate communication in our evolving society. The opportunities our phones allow us, such as creating new connections and new relationships, overpower the possibility of negative consequences we could face by falling back into old ones.
