Social media is changing the landscape of relationships. The average American has a little over 300 friends/followers on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat, but in a recent study sociologist found that people feel more alone than ever before. On average people could name only two people who they considered to be close friends and 25% of people revealed that they had no close friendships at all. Twenty years ago the same study revealed people could name on average six close friends.
The rise of technology has changed the definition of friendship and has given us immediate access to people. When we feel a little bit lonely we can just grab our phone and share how we are feeling, what we are eating or take a picture. Then in an instant the likes and comments come rolling in. The affirmation releases chemicals in our body that makes us feel good for a moment. We are addicted to this immediate feedback! What we are doing is meeting a short-term need, but we are deferring a long term deeper need. There is a new term that sociologist use to describe this feeling called “deferred loneliness”. We are living for likes, but we’re longing for love.
The word of God reminds us about how much we need real relationships with one another. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”
Here are some great practical ways to live these verses out:
- Practice the Power of Presence
- Choose to build relationships with people “face to face” rather than “thumb to thumb”.
- Build quality time with people into your schedule (date night, dinner around the table, making memories)
- Be Fully Engaged When You Are Sharing Life With People
- Look people in the eye
- Use words of encouragement
- Put your phone away
Connect With Me: Jeff Hickman
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